With volatile markets, high inflation and looming interest rate hikes that will make borrowing more expensive, many Americans wonder if the economy is heading for a recession.
Goldman Sachs Chairman Lloyd Blankfein said last weekend “It’s definitely a very, very high risk factor” and consumers should “be prepared for it”. However, he hedged his comments by saying that the Fed “has very powerful tools” and that a recession “is not baked on the cake.”
While uncertain, the likelihood of a U.S. recession next year has been steadily rising, according to a recent report. Bloomberg investigation 37 economists. Their probability is fixed at 30%, double what it was three months ago.
To put this number in context, the threat of a recession is usually 15% in a given year, Due to unexpected events and numerous variables.
Bottom line: “The chances of a recession this year are very low,” said Gus Faucher, chief economist at financial services firm PNC Financial Services Group. However, “it becomes more difficult in 2023 and 2024.”
What determines whether the economy enters a recession
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, which officially declares a recession, a recession is a significant decline in economic activity that spreads across the economy and lasts for more than a few months.
A key indicator of a possible recession is real gross domestic product (GDP), which is the inflation-adjusted value of goods and services produced in the United States.First drop since the early days of the pandemic APR 1.4% Q1 2022.Since many economists believe that 2% is healthy annual growth rate In terms of GDP, a negative quarter at the start of the year suggests the economy may be shrinking.
Another factor is rising inflation, which has recently shown signs of slowing. But still well above the Fed’s 2% target benchmark, April up 8.3% year-on-yearaccording to the latest CPI figures.
With high inflation, price increases have outpaced wage growth, making things like gas and rent more expensive for consumers. For this reason, the Fed hiked rates as it did in March and May, Five more are expected this year. These rate hikes have made borrowing more expensive for businesses and consumers, discouraging spending.
While many economists still expect GDP to grow in 2022, the pace of the decline in inflation is unclear.
signs of economic strength
However, there are also positive economic indicators to consider.Jobs data continues to look good as U.S. economy in April 12th straight month of job gains 400,000 or more. Despite interest rate hikes and inflation, employment levels and consumer spending are currently strong.
“Ultimately, inflation from higher prices needs to play a role in actual consumption behavior,” said Victor Canalog, head of Moody’s Commercial Real Estate Economics.
He noted that U.S. consumer spending Up 2.7% in the previous quarter: “People will still spend more, but when will they start spending less?”
Despite these positives, risks remain. Faucher said the Fed has done a good job with its monetary policy because doing too much or too little to control inflation could further damage the economy.
“Rising rates are designed to cool growth and hopefully not push the economy into recession,” Fauci said. But he said if the central bank “raises rates too much, it could push the economy into recession”.
“That’s why I’m more focused on 2023 or 2024 because we’re going to feel the cumulative impact of all these rate hikes that we’re going to see over the next year and a half.”
Sign up now: Get smarter about your money and career with our weekly newsletter
do not miss it: Interest-only mortgages may offer cheaper monthly payments at first, but they also have big downsides
