US heavy truck sales have plunged in latest red flag for American economy — 3 ways to protect your wealth now

Core Viewpoint - Heavy-duty truck sales, a critical indicator of industrial health, have dropped to their lowest level in four years, signaling potential economic challenges ahead for the U.S. economy [1] Group 1: Economic Indicators - Trucking has historically been a leading indicator of economic health; increased truck purchases indicate business expansion, while decreased orders suggest anticipated economic downturns [2] - Economists note that heavy truck sales often decline before recessions, with past data showing noticeable drops leading up to economic crises, including the 2008 recession [3] Group 2: Current Challenges - Weak freight volumes are observed as consumers are spending more cautiously, resulting in fewer goods available for transport [4] - A cooldown in construction activity due to higher borrowing costs has delayed projects and reduced demand for heavy equipment transport [5] - Tariff pressures from import duties on steel, aluminum, and parts are increasing costs and squeezing margins for manufacturers and fleet operators [5] - Regulatory uncertainty, including the phase-out of clean-energy tax credits and unresolved emissions rules, is causing fleet managers to hesitate on large new orders [6] Group 3: Economic Outlook - The current pullback in truck sales may not lead to a severe recession, as the U.S. economy has evolved, with services and technology now comprising a larger share of GDP, helping maintain positive growth despite industrial weaknesses [7]