The U.S. economy heads into 2026 with strong recent growth but rising uncertainty. Surging consumer spending, volatile inflation, and the effects of higher tariffs have created a mixed picture beneath the headlines.
Key Takeaways:
- Q3 2025 growth was shockingly strong, but is it sustainable
- Inflation is volatile and largely driven by tariffs & policy pressure
- The outlook for 2026 is slower and could be policy driven
- There is potential risk in the quality of economic data going forward
Providing his new forecast, our Chief Economist, Daniel E. Laufenberg, Ph.D., details what lies ahead for 2026.