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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

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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.
Dollar sign balloon being blown up by a pump on a green background with an arrow pointing down to the right
How to find the best high-yield savings account in times of high inflation
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Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
Woman watering plants.
Check out the latest CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of banks and thrifts.
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.
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.
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Side view of father cooking food while daughter having apple in kitchen
These simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.
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.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at Fed press conference
The higher rates rise, the more Fed watchers wonder: Is the Fed about done?
A stressed mature man goes through his home finances at the dining table
High inflation and interest rates are leading many Americans to rely on credit.
Aerial view of the houses in the suburban areas in Sayerville, New Jersey, USA
The downgrade of U.S. debt created one more reason for mortgage rates to stay at a peak.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference after the June rate-setting meeting
The real question is: What will the Fed’s next moves be?
Young forlorn woman sitting down with a suitcase packed
Hit with mounting housing woes, young people ask: Wait it out or make a sacrifice?
Man in a yellow construction jacket and hard hat
Experts, however, still don’t see a labor market as tough as it was during the pandemic.
Woman walking throw a bunch of floating produce items and cash
While the worst of inflation may be over, the battle hasn’t yet been won.
Sign of Wall St, a man falling down, a bundle of cash
A recession hasn’t happened yet, but it’s likely still coming, economists say.
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