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US Economy Defies Odds

The US economy continues to defy odds, remaining strong despite a large and rapid monetary tightening. Officials said the economy is supported by high levels of income growth, which has anchored the ongoing expansion. The US economy is on its final descent to a soft landing, with inflation falling and the job market buoyant.

Janet Yellen at Fed meeting
Key Points
  • Goldman Sachs forecasts a soft landing with steady GDP growth
  • US economy remains strong despite monetary tightening
  • High income growth and business income support the economy
  • Fed expected to keep rates steady until a rate cut in Q4 2024
  • Economists expect a 25-basis-point cut per quarter until 2026

The US economy continues to defy odds, remaining strong despite a large and rapid monetary tightening. Officials said the economy is supported by high levels of income growth, which has anchored the ongoing expansion. The US economy is on its final descent to a soft landing, with inflation falling and the job market buoyant.

Meanwhile, sources confirmed that the impact of fiscal tightening and central bank rate hikes on GDP growth has diminished. The main reason the world's largest economy accelerated from 2022 to 2023 is that the impact of these factors on GDP growth diminished.

Generally, a dollar spent in the economy can come from one of three places: the spender can use their incomes, the spender can borrow the money, or the spender can use the savings. Recent data shows that the economy remains strong, supported by high income growth and business income.

Goldman Sachs Forecast

Goldman Sachs Research forecasts that the Fed will keep rates steady until a rate cut in the last quarter of 2024. Our economists expect that policy decision to be followed by a 25-basis-point cut per quarter until the fed funds rate reaches 3.5-3.75% in the second quarter of 2026.

Experts said the US economy is expected to beat consensus expectations, with the main reason being the impact of fiscal tightening and central bank rate hikes on GDP growth diminishing.

Witnesses said the US economy has continued to show remarkable resilience in the face of increased policy uncertainty and the potentially disruptive force of AI. How well consumers, businesses, and policymakers continue to navigate this uncertainty will be decisive for the economy's overall performance.

Economic Uncertainty

The US economy faces much uncertainty due to a volatile tariff agenda, and US partners and foreign firms exporting to or investing in the United States increasingly view Washington as a less reliable business partner.

The US economy's K-shaped nature—where upper-income households thrive while middle and lower tiers struggle—makes American consumption patterns uneven and unpredictable for global manufacturers.

Meanwhile, a large federal deficit and low household savings mean global savers are still called upon to finance US economic growth. Government sources said the economy is expected to continue growing, but faces many challenges.

Expert Views

Mark Zandi puts US recession odds at 40%, warning the economy is 'on shaky ground'. Larry Kudlow said there is no recession in sight, citing the strength of the stock market.

Jared Bernstein, a Distinguished Policy Fellow at SIEPR, said the US economy has continued to show remarkable resilience in the face of increased policy uncertainty.

Experts said the stock market's performance is not necessarily indicative of the overall economy, with some warning of a disconnect between corporate equity gains and the broader US economy.

Human Impact

The ongoing economic expansion has had a significant impact on American households, with many experiencing increased income growth and job security.

However, others have struggled, with the US economy's K-shaped nature exacerbating income inequality.

As the economy continues to grow, it is likely that these trends will continue, with some households thriving while others struggle to make ends meet. Officials said the government is working to address these issues, but it will likely take time.

#US Economy#Goldman Sachs#Federal Reserve#Monetary Policy#GDP Growth#Income Growth
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