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美国经济衰退或滞胀概率几何?|国际
清华金融评论·2025-03-21 10:30

Core Viewpoint - The likelihood of the U.S. economy entering a recession in the foreseeable future is low, but growth is expected to slow down, with a possibility of a brief stagnation or decline, although this is considered unlikely. Current high inflation, exacerbated by rising tariffs, raises the potential for stagflation, but any occurrence would not be considered true stagflation [1][14]. Current Economic Status - The U.S. economy has shown resilience despite predictions of recession, with mixed economic indicators suggesting both recessionary signals and robust growth metrics. The Federal Reserve's recent meetings indicate a stable economic outlook, although uncertainty has increased [1][4][8]. - Various indicators point towards recession risks, including a significant drop in consumer confidence and weak retail sales data. However, the relationship between soft indicators and actual economic performance is often tenuous [5][7]. - The Atlanta Fed's prediction of a 2.8% decline in GDP for Q1 is primarily attributed to temporary factors, and economists still expect continued growth, albeit at a reduced rate [6][8]. Recession Indicators - Soft indicators, such as consumer confidence and small business optimism, have declined, but actual employment data remains strong, with job growth and low unemployment rates indicating a stable labor market [7][8]. - The mixed signals from economic data necessitate careful analysis to distinguish between temporary fluctuations and underlying trends [4][5]. Future Outlook - If current economic policies remain unchanged, the probability of recession may increase, potentially leading to a transition from soft to hard indicators of economic decline. However, historical patterns suggest that political pressures may lead to policy adjustments to mitigate economic damage [10][11]. - The impact of tariffs on inflation is projected to be temporary, with estimates suggesting an increase of 0.5-0.8 percentage points in inflation rates. The Federal Reserve is inclined to overlook these temporary effects, focusing instead on broader economic stability [14][15]. - The resilience of the U.S. economy, particularly through technological innovation and infrastructure investment, is expected to support growth while controlling inflation, although significant unforeseen challenges could still arise [15].