Podcast: Key Trends for the 2025 US Economic Outlook
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As we navigate 2025, the U.S. economic landscape is shaped by shifting policies, labor market dynamics and the evolving regulatory environment. In this episode of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, Weaver’s Brandon Cooperman and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Curtis Dubay, highlight key trends to watch for this year, from inflation to workplace productivity and beyond.
Key Points:
- The U.S. labor market tightness persists, with job openings exceeding available workers.
- Inflation remains a challenge, influenced by housing and wage pressures.
- Regulatory changes under the new administration may boost economic growth.
The U.S. labor market remains tight, with job openings outpacing available workers by over a million, according to Curtis. This trend, coupled with strong wage growth at 4% annually, highlights the challenges businesses face in managing costs. While wage increases benefit workers, businesses must focus on productivity gains to sustain profitability.
Inflation, currently hovering near 2.7%, continues to pose challenges for the Federal Reserve. Factors such as housing price growth and wage pressures are expected to keep inflation above the Fed’s 2% target until at least 2026. “Productivity is the cornerstone of economic stability — enabling higher wages, sustained growth and reduced inflation pressures,” explains Curtis. He also notes that policies promoting energy production and stability in housing markets could help mitigate these pressures, but significant hurdles remain.
The new administration’s focus on reducing regulatory hurdles is anticipated to spur economic growth. Curtis outlines four key strategies, including halting pending regulations, rolling back recent policies and reducing the overall volume of new regulations. These measures aim to create certainty for businesses, encouraging investment and innovation. Beyond providing an economic forecast, Curtis’ insights spur discussions about how macroeconomic indicators and policies interact to shape future business conditions.
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