2026-05-18 19:38:50 | EST
News Moody's Mark Zandi Warns Tariffs Have Slowed Job Growth, Recession Risk Rises
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Moody's Mark Zandi Warns Tariffs Have Slowed Job Growth, Recession Risk Rises - High Volatility

Moody's Mark Zandi Warns Tariffs Have Slowed Job Growth, Recession Risk Rises
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Free access to US stock insights, technical analysis, and curated picks focused on helping investors achieve consistent returns with controlled risk exposure. We believe in transparency and provide complete analysis behind every recommendation we make. Access real-time data, expert commentary, and actionable strategies designed for investors at every level. Join thousands who trust our platform for smart investment decisions, steady portfolio growth, and professional-grade research at no cost. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, recently pointed to a decline in U.S. job growth following the imposition of Liberation Day tariffs, warning that the economy may be heading toward a recession. In a social media post on May 4, Zandi shared a graph comparing employment and inflation trends since early 2025, suggesting trade policy is weighing on the labor market.

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- Decline in hiring: Zandi's graph shows job growth figures that have trended lower since the Liberation Day tariffs were imposed, compared to the pace seen earlier in 2025. - Inflation trends: The same chart also tracks inflation over the period, though Zandi's primary focus is on the weakening employment picture as a leading indicator. - Recession warning: The economist cautioned that without policy adjustments, the U.S. may face a recession, emphasizing the tariffs as a key drag on economic momentum. - Expert consensus: Zandi's warning echoes similar assessments from other economists, who point to trade uncertainty as a headwind for hiring and capital expenditure. Moody's Mark Zandi Warns Tariffs Have Slowed Job Growth, Recession Risk RisesInvestors often experiment with different analytical methods before finding the approach that suits them best. What works for one trader may not work for another, highlighting the importance of personalization in strategy design.Some traders combine trend-following strategies with real-time alerts. This hybrid approach allows them to respond quickly while maintaining a disciplined strategy.Moody's Mark Zandi Warns Tariffs Have Slowed Job Growth, Recession Risk RisesThe integration of multiple datasets enables investors to see patterns that might not be visible in isolation. Cross-referencing information improves analytical depth.

Key Highlights

On May 4, Mark Zandi took to X (formerly Twitter) to outline the economic impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs, which were enacted with Liberation Day on April 2, 2025. The Moody's Analytics chief economist posted a graph that tracks job growth and inflation rates starting from January 2025, showing a noticeable slowdown in hiring momentum after the tariffs took effect. Zandi attributed the weakening labor market directly to the trade measures, warning that a recession could be the next stage if current conditions persist. The post adds to a growing body of commentary from economists flagging the potential risks of sustained tariff burdens. Zandi's analysis aligns with broader concerns that protectionist trade policies may dampen business investment and consumer confidence, leading to slower economic activity. While the job market had shown resilience in 2025, the data Zandi highlighted suggests a turning point after the tariff implementation. Moody's Mark Zandi Warns Tariffs Have Slowed Job Growth, Recession Risk RisesObserving correlations between markets can reveal hidden opportunities. For example, energy price shifts may precede changes in industrial equities, providing actionable insight.Some traders rely on patterns derived from futures markets to inform equity trades. Futures often provide leading indicators for market direction.Moody's Mark Zandi Warns Tariffs Have Slowed Job Growth, Recession Risk RisesEconomic policy announcements often catalyze market reactions. Interest rate decisions, fiscal policy updates, and trade negotiations influence investor behavior, requiring real-time attention and responsive adjustments in strategy.

Expert Insights

Mark Zandi's analysis suggests that the tariffs are exerting a measurable drag on the U.S. labor market, potentially setting the stage for broader economic weakness. While the job market had been a pillar of post-pandemic recovery, the recent deceleration in hiring may indicate that businesses are pulling back amid higher input costs and uncertain demand. Such a slowdown could, in turn, weigh on consumer spending—the primary engine of U.S. growth—and heighten recession risks. Looking ahead, the interplay between trade policy and the Federal Reserve's inflation fight will be critical. If job growth continues to soften while inflation remains sticky, the Fed may face a difficult balancing act between supporting employment and controlling prices. Zandi's data-driven warning underscores the potential for tariffs to act as a supply-side shock, raising costs for importers and ultimately for consumers. Investors and policymakers may need to monitor labor market reports closely in the coming months, as any further deterioration could accelerate calls for tariff relief or fiscal stimulus. Moody's Mark Zandi Warns Tariffs Have Slowed Job Growth, Recession Risk RisesReal-time updates are particularly valuable during periods of high volatility. They allow traders to adjust strategies quickly as new information becomes available.Correlating futures data with spot market activity provides early signals for potential price movements. Futures markets often incorporate forward-looking expectations, offering actionable insights for equities, commodities, and indices. Experts monitor these signals closely to identify profitable entry points.Moody's Mark Zandi Warns Tariffs Have Slowed Job Growth, Recession Risk RisesReal-time data can highlight momentum shifts early. Investors who detect these changes quickly can capitalize on short-term opportunities.
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