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

Discover how the economy impacts employability and explore essential skills that enhance job prospects, from technical to soft skills, for career success.

Bank of America data reveals a stark K-shaped economy as higher-income Americans spend 2.6% more while lower-income households manage just 0.6% growth.

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.

Explore the size of America’s underground economy. Discover what activities this economy includes, and how it affects taxes, jobs, and the broader U.S. economy.

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

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

Economist Stephen Moore says economic momentum is building under President Donald Trump, but lingering voter pessimism and cost-of-living concerns are creating a messaging challenge.

The White House has been quite eager to tout that data because U.S. markets appear to be up—a fair bit. Aides often crow about new market highs. And Trump often claims that the United States is “the hottest country anywhere in the world,” and that all foreign leaders admit it.

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.