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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.
Learn more

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.

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Chief Financial Analyst

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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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Understanding mortgage rate movements could save you money.
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Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
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We look back at how banks handled rate cuts in 2024, and what to expect in 2025.
Classic style new home exterior view with front porch and front door entrance.
The August jobs slowdown sets the stage for a Fed cut and brought mortgage rates to their lowest levels of the year.
Home and a money bag balancing on a scale
With a big Federal Reserve decision on the horizon, does it make sense to refinance your mortgage now, or wait?
The Federal Reserve Building in downtown Washington DC, USA at night.
The Fed continues to signal lowering rates later this month. Here’s how to prepare.
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Artistic sketch of a businessman on a suspended platform looking down as the platform morphs into a downward arrow with a '%' symbol on its side.
As the Fed hints at lowering interest rates, here’s how to prepare when rates fall.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at Fed press conference
It’s the first emergency move since October 2008, during the Great Recession.
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at press conference
With markets swooning, all eyes are now turning to the Fed.
President Donald Trump shakes the hand of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell
The chief executive’s claims weren’t wholly correct — even if they ended up being right.
A woman looking at Ally Bank's new savings tools.
Here’s what the online bank is offering to help customers boost their savings and meet financial goals.
What will get the Fed off the sidelines?
Man looking at bar graph amid Federal Reserve Eccles Building
The Fed will stay on the sidelines for an extended period, experts predict.
A logo of the Federal Reserve
How long will the Fed be on the sidelines?
Will the new voting members be hawkish or dovish on rates?
Homes in Charleston
Understanding mortgage rate movements could save you money.
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.
Fed rate hike to curb inflation, wooden block with FED and up-down arrows icon. Central banking system and interest rate changes.
We look back at how banks handled rate cuts in 2024, and what to expect in 2025.
Classic style new home exterior view with front porch and front door entrance.
The August jobs slowdown sets the stage for a Fed cut and brought mortgage rates to their lowest levels of the year.
Home and a money bag balancing on a scale
With a big Federal Reserve decision on the horizon, does it make sense to refinance your mortgage now, or wait?
The Federal Reserve Building in downtown Washington DC, USA at night.
The Fed continues to signal lowering rates later this month. Here’s how to prepare.
A downward facing red arrow "crashing" trough a shattering $100 bill.
Worried that your high-yield savings APY isn’t so high? Here’s how to stay on top.
Artistic sketch of a businessman on a suspended platform looking down as the platform morphs into a downward arrow with a '%' symbol on its side.
As the Fed hints at lowering interest rates, here’s how to prepare when rates fall.
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