Top Economics Journals

Getting published. It's the bane of many economists' lives, and it's never been so important. Jobs, tenure, not to mention reputation, all now heavily rely on getting published, often regularly. Unsurprisingly, given its importance, there's much to consider when approaching journals. Where your work is published can have a huge effect on how it's perceived, how many people it reaches, and what kind of profile engages with it. So, yes, it’s important to make the right decision, informed by the right information, when submitting your work for publication - and this article aims to help with just that.

For students and those whose careers do not yet require constant publication, it’s also useful to get familiarised with the most popular and prestigious journals, whether to help with literature reviews or to just keep up-to-date with developments in the field. So regardless of where you are in your economics journey, fresher, PhD, or professor, the following list of top journals is worth getting to know. That's if you haven't already!

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1. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, Oxford University Press

This is the oldest English language professional journal in the field of economics, and one of the most respected. It covers all aspects of the discipline but specialises in microtheory and macroeconomics. It is the go-to. 

2. Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier

A journal with a focus on applied papers and case studies, it includes conjectural papers which address issues less quantifiable and more descriptive than other journals in the field.

3. Journal of Finance, American Finance Association

For the related field of finance, the Journal of Finance is one of the top places to publish, along with the Review of Financial Studies and the Journal of Financial Economics.

4. Econometrica, Econometric Society

With a specialisation in econometrics, this journal has been established since 1933. In addition to its reputation, it attracts high-quality research through awarding of the Frisch Medal every two years, which recognises outstanding research published in the journal.

5. Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association

This journal commissions peer-reviewed survey and review articles which aim to keep readers informed about the current state of the economics literature. The journal also features book reviews, information about newly published books, and an index of economics dissertations from North American universities.

6. Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press

Another long-standing journal, the Journal of Political Economy was first published in 1892 and covers both theoretical and empirical work. Its specialisations include: monetary theory, fiscal policy, labour economics, development, micro and macroeconomic theory, international trade and finance, industrial organization, and social economics.

7. American Economic Review, American Economic Association

Established in 1911, this is another well-established and respected journal in the field of economics. Once a year, in May, an issue is dedicated to presenting proceedings and papers from the annual meeting of the American Economic Association.

8. Review of Economic Studies, Oxford University Press

Another long-established journal, RESTUD as it is known is a must-read for theoretical and applied economics. It was founded with the specific intent to publish work from young and up-and-coming economics researchers; a mission which it continues to this day.

9. Review of Financial Studies, Oxford University Press

With a focus on financial economics specifically, this journal published on the behalf of the Society for Financial Studies accepts both theoretical and empirical papers which fit in the intersection between finance and economics.

10. Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier

Another influential journal in this field is the Journal of Econometrics, established in 1973. The journal focuses on econometrics methodologies as well as the way in which these methodologies can be applied to substantive areas of economics.

11. The Review of Economics and Statistics, Harvard Kennedy School

Already over a hundred years old, the Review of Economics and Statistics is a general journal of applied quantitative economics. The journal also publishes collections of papers devoted to a single topic of interest, be it methodological or empirical.

12. Journal of Economic Growth, Springer Science+Business Media

This journal predominantly publishes research into economic growth and comparative economic development. Research is often based over the contemporary period, but sometimes also includes insights into the entire course of history. Some key topic areas include income distribution, demographic transition, human capital formation, technological change and structural transformation in the growth process.

13. Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier Science

Founded in 1975, this journal is a leader in macroeconomic research. It is often ranked highly in its specialist subject area, and accepts submissions in all areas of macroeconomics. On alternate years the Journal of Monetary Economics published eight and nine volumes, using proceeds from a conference sponsored by the Study Center Gerzensee of the Swiss National Bank to fund its biennial ninth volume.