What’s in Store for the Economy in 2026?

As the clocks tick down to the end of 2025, it marks the close of a whirlwind year for the economy.

The last 12 months have brought a change of occupant in the White House, a radical shift in economic policy anchored by a massive increase in import tariffs and a retreat from the global trade consensus that dominated the past several decades – not to mention drastic changes to immigration and other established policies.

The year also saw a 43-day record shutdown of the government that began in October and lasted until November, limiting the regular economic data that many rely on.

But, as 2026 arrives, the stock market is bubbling near record highs, and growth in the economy has been stronger than most expected. Gross domestic product grew at a 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter that has long since ended – admittedly a look back but the most recent period for which data has been released.

“For the second straight quarter, US GDP came in well ahead of economists’ expectations, reaffirming the resilience of the consumer and the economy,” wrote Bret Kenwell of eToro. “While worries surrounding the jobs market, tariffs, and inflation continue to swirl, the economy continues to defy its doubters by chugging higher.”