US recession risk: Is the UK about to catch a cold?

Economic Indicators - UBS has identified that recession risks in the United States are increasing, with three main indicators showing concerning trends: real-world data, credit conditions, and the yield curve [1][2] - The probability of a US recession based on real-world data has risen to 46%, an increase of 12 percentage points in just one month, indicating broad-based weakness in key economic areas [4][3] - The yield curve currently suggests an 18% probability of recession, which, while lower than previous extremes, still represents a notable increase [5] Credit Conditions - UBS's credit-based model indicates a 48% probability of recession, marking the highest level since the pandemic, reflecting shifts in financial ratios and lending conditions [6] Composite Recession Risk - The composite gauge from UBS places the overall US recession risk at 37%, up from 26% in December, approaching levels historically associated with actual downturns [7] - Despite these indicators, UBS does not currently predict a recession, noting that the economy began the year on stable footing, but warns that further data deterioration could reignite recession discussions [7] Global Implications - The US consumer remains a critical driver of global demand, and any retrenchment in consumer spending or business investment could negatively impact the developed world [9] - The situation is being closely monitored, with upcoming data in May and June expected to influence market narratives significantly [10]