Is the USA going to see a recession in 2023?

March 18, 2023

The USA’s financial future is unclear. Experts and analysts have conflicting predictions and projections. The economy has been doing OK lately. It is primarily because consumers are spending money. Still, the threat of a recession in 2023 looms large.

The Federal Reserve has tightened its monetary policy. Also, inflation is high while the fiscal space is less. So, it’s hard for the US government to improve the economy and ensure stability.

In this blog, we’ll explore various factors affecting the economy in the US right now and try to figure out if the country might have a recession in 2023.

Predictions for a global recession in 2023

Several factors could trigger a recession in the US. These may include:

  • surging interest rates
  • high inflation
  • the end of fiscal stimulus
  • weak export markets abroad

On top of it, monetary policy tightening was seen as hampering the outlook for US growth. Also, the fiscal space in the wake of government expenditure during the pandemic has been reduced. So, policymakers have a tough choice to make.

And when it comes to food prices, there is a big difference between rich and poor countries. The cost of food is going up a lot.

Soaring food costs will affect low-income countries in a disproportionate way. Simply put, this will affect poor countries more than rich ones. As a result, many more people may face food insecurity.

Here are some predictions about the United States having a recession in 2023.

World Bank predicts global recession in 2023

The World Bank has predicted a global recession in 2023 with a GDP growth of 1.7%. It will be the slowest growth seen since 1993, except for the 2009 and 2020 recessions. Also, more than nine out of 10 chief economists think growth will be weak in the US and Europe.

According to Bloomberg’s monthly survey of economists, there is a 70% chance of a recession in the US economy in 2023. Also, the country’s overall economic growth will be only about 0.3%.

This is not good news, especially since consumer spending is also predicted to barely increase in the middle half of the year. The survey indicates that inflation is softening, but it is still higher than the central bank’s 2% goal.

Most US business economists expect a recession later in 2023

The National Association for Business Economics (NABE) surveyed 48 economists from businesses, trade associations, and academia. And 58% of the economists expected a recession in 2023.

In December, half of the respondents expected a recession by the end of March. But in the new survey, only a quarter of them thought that.

The findings reflect a series of government reports that have pointed to a robust economy despite the Federal Reserve raising interest rates eight times.

Potential bright spots in the gloomy economic outlook

Experts do believe that the world’s economy might not be doing very well in 2023. The World Bank thinks that there might be a global recession and that the economy might grow very slowly, even slower than it did in 1993. But there are potential bright spots in the economy that could alleviate the negative impact.

Bright Spots

One such spot is the easing of inflationary pressures, which could benefit both individuals and businesses. So, prices might not go up as fast, which would be good.

Another is the possibility for consumer sentiment to stabilize and improve, which can lead to increased spending and economic growth. In other words, people might feel more positive about spending money, which could help the economy grow.

Cost-of-Living Crisis May Ease

The cost-of-living crisis still looms large and will affect many individuals. So many people are worried about the high cost of living. But 68% of those surveyed for the World Economic Forum report think that it will get a little better in 2023.

Resilience of the US Economy

Despite the gloomy outlook, recent government reports suggest that the US economy remains resilient and robust. It seems to be doing well, even though things look bad. Employers have added more than half a million jobs in January 2023. Also, the unemployment rate has been at its lowest level since 1969.

While many economists believe that the US economy will enter a recession sometime in 2023, the timing of the recession has been pushed back, with only a quarter of economists predicting that it will have begun by the end of March.

Wrapping up

The US economy might have a tough time ahead, which could lead to a recession this year. The World Bank has predicted a global recession for 2023, with the slowest GDP growth since 1993.

Policymakers are having a hard time deciding what to do to try to keep things stable. They want to encourage growth. But they also need to make sure things stay steady, with high inflation and not much money to spend.

However, there are some good things happening in the economy. Inflation could ease up, and people might start feeling more positive about spending money. While the US economy remains resilient and robust, the threat of a recession in 2023 looms large, and policymakers must take steps to mitigate its impact.

If you still have questions or concerns about your finances, consult with GJM & Co. Our experienced accountants can guide you through financial policies, helping you understand them better. We can help you shape your business in the best way possible to make the most of 2023 despite the challenges and risks that linger.

Should you have any queries or need consultation, Schedule a Call today or write to us at info@gjmco.in.