Despite mounting economic risks, investors remain optimistic that a severe downturn will be avoided. However, complacency historically arises right before bear markets begin.
Consensus outlooks still forecast a “soft landing.” While growth is slowing, expectations see inflation falling without recession hitting.
This relatively sanguine scenario relies on consumers keeping spending, companies maintaining hiring, and markets staying resilient.
However, economic cycles seldom unfold slowly or predictably. Rather, downturns tend to accelerate once initial cracks appear.
Already, key sectors like housing and autos are reversing hard. Corporate profits are declining and inventories piling up. Leading indicators signal broad weakness.
Yet markets cling to faith in Fed power and the economy’s persistence. This lingering optimism is likely to be shattered suddenly when conditions turn.
Rarely do downturns telegraph gradual descent. Rapid expansions historically lead to equally fast contractions once fragility snowballs.
While markets don’t expect it, the risks of an imminent hard landing are rising. Avoiding complacency requires prudent preparation and adaptability.
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