Key Takeaways Stock values have hit record highs, while measures of the economy's health have deteriorated in recent months.Experts have identified several reasons the stock market is defying economic gravity,

The median forecast among the central bankers puts the fed funds rate at 3.6 percent by year-end, though projections span from 2.9 percent to 4.4 percent. Powell, asked whether the historic downward jobs revision released this month changed his view on holding rates earlier in the year, brushed off the counterfactual.

The US economy added just 22,000 jobs in August and the unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, the highest since 2021.

The U.S. labor market appears to be deteriorating rapidly just as the country's housing market is also creaking, two negative forces that risk feeding off each other and smothering economic growth.

“No pain, no gain” is the expression that might be used to frame the direction of the stock market.

The Federal Reserve weighs its first rate cut since December as wealthier consumers prop up spending levels and the job market shows signs of weakness.

Oil prices declined for a second session on Thursday, after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates as expected and traders focused on concerns about the U.S. economy and excess supplies.

A legal test of tariffs is on tap, along with the latest data on the labor market. The month of September kicks off with the economy in a familiar spot, facing more uncertainty over tariffs, the cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s economic policy.

US economic growth is now driven almost solely by deficit spending and AI Revolution as traditional drivers like jobs, housing, & consumer strength falter. Read what investors need to know.

The prospect of lower mortgage rates could perk up a sluggish metro Atlanta housing market, but experts say other factors, such as concerns about the economy, are at play.