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Recession watch

Will the U.S. economy soon be in a recession? It's the trillion-dollar question that even experts don't know the answer to. Here's how to prepare for a potential downturn, and how one could impact you.

Insights from our expert analysts

“Economic uncertainty is a time for reducing debt and boosting savings, not the other way around.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

Do's and don'ts of saving during a recession

To help you navigate saving during a recession, we asked a number of experts what some of the most helpful things to do are, as well as some things you should try to avoid at all costs.
Learn more

Recessions & your money

Illustration of a person holding a house with a rain cloud over it
How might a recession affect the housing market?
A middle-aged couple looks out to the beach from their van
Here are some tips to help make sure your retirement savings are protected in the event of a recession.
Illustration of worker with a brief case
The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.

Experts in all things finance

Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

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Greg McBride

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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

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Latest articles

The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
Exterior of Federal Reserve building
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivers remarks at a news conference.
The best way for most investors to approach this type of market is to stick to their long-term plan.
A large pile of cash next to a padlock
A one-year CD can be a safe and worthwhile option, especially turning to high-yielding online banks or credit unions.
A graph showing an upward trend from 2025 to 2026. The trendline is made of cash
If you have $10,000 to invest in a CD right now, here’s how much you could earn.
Illustration of cash under a beach umbrella
Here’s how much $10,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn you.
A person takes a picture of a check.
Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.
Young woman using an ATM
Here’s how to find the nearest ATM in MoneyPass’s fee-free ATM network.
Fantasy image of a robot hand holding a phone with real cash falling out of the screen
For many of us, saving money feels like an uphill battle.
a chase bank in washington dc
Looking for a nearby Chase Bank location or ATM? Here’s how to find the closest ones.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference.
Rates are falling, and finance pros say it may be time for Americans to rethink some strategies.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
The Fed’s policy toolkit has changed almost as much as interest rates itself.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell holds a news conference after a Federal Open Market Committee meeting in Washington, DC, on Jan. 31
How will the Fed juggle hotter inflation with a rising unemployment rate?
Illustration of Chair Jerome Powell in front of the podium at a post-meeting press conference
The Fed plays a role in influencing every financial decision you make.
Woman carrying a box into a room
The share of single women homebuyers continues to outpace the share of single men in the housing market.
Man blocking face by holding a stop sign in front of himself
Americans’ credit woes might not turn around until the Fed eventually cuts rates.
Members of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors stand with Fed Chair Jerome Powell after he was sworn in for his second term.
The Fed’s board has a powerful influence over interest rates and monetary policy.
couple stressing about the rise of interest rates
The Federal Reserve has finally shown the signs of a rate plateau. However, interest rates are still breaking records, and it’s not a given that personal loan rates will fall anytime soon. While the [...]
Will falling inflation make the Fed in a hurry to cut rates?
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