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Recession watch

Will the U.S. economy soon be in a recession? It's the trillion-dollar question that even experts don't know the answer to. Here's how to prepare for a potential downturn, and how one could impact you.

Insights from our expert analysts

“Economic uncertainty is a time for reducing debt and boosting savings, not the other way around.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

Do's and don'ts of saving during a recession

To help you navigate saving during a recession, we asked a number of experts what some of the most helpful things to do are, as well as some things you should try to avoid at all costs.
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Recessions & your money

Illustration of a person holding a house with a rain cloud over it
How might a recession affect the housing market?
A middle-aged couple looks out to the beach from their van
Here are some tips to help make sure your retirement savings are protected in the event of a recession.
Illustration of worker with a brief case
The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.

Experts in all things finance

Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

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Greg McBride

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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

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Latest articles

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How to find the best high-yield savings account in times of high inflation
Illustrated collage of a house shape made of money
Your lender could cap, cut or even close your credit line. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
Image of the back of a man in a suit standing in front of a large line graph that is on top of a half shredded U.S. Dollar.
Stagflation is an economic “super villain,” bringing high inflation and unemployment.
A young man trades crypto in his home office on his smartphone.
Here’s what crypto experts say you should expect from digital assets if a recession is on the horizon.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Image of Jerome Powell and Donald Trump side by side above the Federal Reserve building.
Lower rates won’t fix trade uncertainty, and credit could still be tight.
Home Finances
Here’s how to earn more interest with a high-yield savings account.
A businessman sits at a table with his laptop
After stocks have fallen, investors are paying a lower price for the growth of those businesses.
A custom image of a $100 bill and a mask.
Stimulus checks have arrived, but more support is needed from political leaders, consumers say.
A front view of the Federal Reserve Bank
Consumers get more access to their savings at a time when they may urgently need it.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building in Washington, D.C.
It could take years for growth and unemployment to return to where they were before the pandemic.
Federal Reserve and the coronavirus
The Fed’s biggest priority should be making sure as little as possible breaks on the way down.
A man at home makes a phone call.
Talk your way out of a charge — or get someone else to do it for you.
A man sits in bed, looking at his phone.
The branch is closed. Challenger banks see their moment.
A pedestrian walks by a bank branch.
Your money is safe as long as there’s federal deposit insurance.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Home decorated for autumn
It just might be. But don’t forget the fundamentals of how home equity loans work.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, speaks during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
Uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s policies is keeping the Fed on the sidelines, at least for now.
New Friends Walking on University Campus
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
If you’re looking at HE Loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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