Economic Outlook - The most recent data suggests a continuation of a soft landing, which is good news for the economy [2] - The economy was in a good position to absorb the stagflationary shock from tariffs, and the Fed was in a restrictive position [3] - Concerns exist regarding oil prices potentially offsetting disinflation in other parts of the economy [5] Tariffs and Inflation - Evidence of tariffs impacting inflation is present in recent reports, with appliances and commodity goods prices increasing [4] - $70 billion of tariffs have been collected, indicating that someone is bearing the cost [4] - The impact of tariffs on inflation is uncertain, with a divided outlook on whether it will be a one-off event or cause broader inflation [6] Federal Reserve Policy - The Fed is likely to lower rates in the coming months [1] - The Fed should wait and see before cutting rates, despite pressure, to avoid cutting into a bigger inflation problem [6] - The Fed is being cautious, and the downside of waiting is small [7] - Financial markets will likely price in easing before the Fed delivers it if stagnation worsens [8] - The Fed's transparency provides a release valve against being behind the curve, as markets will front-run easing [9]

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]