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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
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Your lender could cap, cut or even close your credit line. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
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Stagflation is an economic “super villain,” bringing high inflation and unemployment.
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Here’s what crypto experts say you should expect from digital assets if a recession is on the horizon.
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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.
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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.
A woman stands beside a gas pump at a gas station in Los Angeles, California
Price increases depend on supply chain and labor shortages.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks beside President Joe Biden after he was nominated for a second term
Soaring inflation is making it hard for the Fed to justify its aggressive policies.
Fed Chair Powell testifies before the Senate Banking Committee
The appointment gives Powell the chance to finish the U.S. central bank’s pandemic response.
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A game of hiring musical chairs is afoot — and it doesn’t look like it’ll be stopping anytime soon.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a post-Federal Open Market Committee press conference
The Fed’s decision is a vote of confidence about the economy.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to lawmakers at a testimony
The Fed’s massive bond-buying program has about run its course. Here’s how a taper works.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at congressional hearing.
The president will have to weigh his party’s priorities with his desire for continuity.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks to lawmakers during a testimony.
Experts say higher inflation and a faster rebound could force the Fed’s hand.
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