Resilient through uncertainty
U.S. policy uncertainty has remained elevated and consumer sentiment has weakened. Even so, the economy has stayed resilient, and because growth has held up better than sentiment and headlines suggest, we continue to forecast 2% U.S. growth in 2026, in line with trend.
U.S. policy uncertainty — a dependable catalyst for investor anxiety — has remained elevated in recent years, with the Economic Policy Uncertainty Index running well above its long-run average. At the same time, consumer sentiment has deteriorated amid fears of a growth slowdown, which have prompted a reassessment of the outlook for risk assets.
Still, the economic backdrop has remained notably resilient — stronger than many investors and analysts expected — despite policy shocks like tariff changes and government shutdowns.
While the noise around the growth narrative has been loud, it has still been mostly noise. Policy uncertainty and investor unease have been real, but the economy has continued to absorb both. As a result, we reiterate our growth forecast for 2026 of 2%, in-line with trend.
959106 Exp : 30 June 2027
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The S&P 500’s history shows that despite recessions, wars, inflation, and corrections, the market’s long-term trajectory has remained upward. As the U.S. marks 250 years of resilience, the lesson for investors is clear: wealth is built through patience, discipline and staying invested.
Despite persistent concerns that sticky inflation would erode purchasing power and drag consumer spending lower, the May retail sales data tells a different story. Spending is up not just in dollar terms, but in quantity, highlighting continued consumer resilience.
Inflation has jumped since the Strait of Hormuz closed, squeezing consumers through higher gas and utility bills and pressuring businesses with higher freight and operating costs. Yet, longer-term inflation expectations remain contained, suggesting this looks more like a temporary energy shock than a lasting inflation upswing.
May’s jobs report showed a labor market that is improving, with payroll growth exceeding expectations and layoffs down sharply from last year. Steady hiring and fewer layoffs should continue to support consumer spending and U.S. economic growth.




