Despite ‘Soft Landing’ Predictions Some Economists See Warning Signs Flashing Red

Mixed signals appear to leave the Fed uncertain what to do next

Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell walks from the podium after speaking at a news conference at the Federal Reserve in Washington on March 22, 2023. Alex Brandon/AP

As Wall Street banks take an increasingly optimistic view of America’s economy, several traditional indicators are sending signals that all is not well.

And as the Fed inches closer to achieving its single-minded goal of taming inflation, it appears to have become hesitant, uncertain what its next steps should be.