Justin Lahart

The Wall Street Journal

Brace for a U.S. Economic Growth Downer

By: Justin Lahart

Prepare to be disappointed by Thursday’s gross domestic product report. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal expect the report will show that GDP grew at a 2% annual rate in the first quarter, a bit softer than the fourth quarter’s 2.6%. That isn’t too shabby considering some of the challen

The Wall Street Journal

Too Hot for the Fed to Stop

By: Justin Lahart

Employment costs and other inflation measures cement a Fed increase next week and possibly later too.

The Wall Street Journal

Rate Hikes Can Wait

By: Justin Lahart

Fresh signs of stress in the banking system and debt ceiling risks could make Wednesday’s rate increase the last for a while.

The Wall Street Journal

No Recession Doesn’t Mean No Worries for Stocks

By: Justin Lahart

Stocks might be under pressure even if the U.S. economy avoids a downturn.

The Wall Street Journal

Can Inflation Fall Fast Enough for the Fed?

By: Justin Lahart

Federal Reserve unlikely to raise rates next month but for it to stay on sidelines, inflation needs to cool quickly.

The Wall Street Journal

A Debt-Ceiling Catch-22 for Investors

By: Justin Lahart

The best outcome would be for a debt-ceiling deal to be reached before the market starts ringing alarm bells, but that might not be in the cards.

The Wall Street Journal

Don’t Swing at the Yield Curve

By: Justin Lahart

Inversions of the yield curve have been reliable harbingers of past recessions, but right now it could just be a reflection of flawed market assumptions.

The Wall Street Journal

Dusting Off the Debt-Ceiling Playbook

By: Justin Lahart

Even with the possibility of default, betting on Treasurys could pay off again.

The Wall Street Journal

America’s Travel Resurgence Is Finally Here

By: Justin Lahart

Would-be tourists have the money and the desire to hit the road this summer. The increased spending on travel could even help fend off a recession.

The Wall Street Journal

Surprising Strength in Job Openings Isn’t Good News for Stocks

By: Justin Lahart

Labor-market resilience adds to the likelihood that the Fed isn’t done with interest-rate increases.