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From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.

Most adults (68 percent) now say economic conditions are getting worse, compared with 29 percent who think they’re improving, according to Gallup. That gap has widened since the beginning of 2025.

President Donald Trump says he expects to nominate a new Federal Reserve chair this month. When that happens, Trump will have run out of excuses: This will officially become his economy, for better or worse.

The economy in 2025 was filled with contradictions, as growth was healthy while hiring slowed, inflation stayed elevated and unemployment rose.

The global economy showed notable resilience in 2025, performing better than anticipated despite repeated shocks and heightened uncertainty. Trade flows continued to expand, and overall activity held up more strongly than many expected.

President Donald Trump believes US companies can revive Venezuela’s beleaguered oil industry, benefiting both that nation and America. But even if that happens, it would be a fraction of changes needed to get the destitute country back on its feet.

The U.S. economy chugs into the new year in stronger shape than many forecasters had expected. But Americans remain wary about the high cost of living.

The global economy faced many hurdles in 2025. The U.S. government upended longstanding economic wisdom in a manner many economists feared would harm both the American economy and those of other countries.

By some measures, China's economy is looking resilient, with strong exports and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.

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