US Economy Faces Recession Scare as Atlanta Fed Projects -1.5% Q1 Contraction

Gross domestic product (GDP), the broadest measure of economic activity, reflects the total value of goods and services produced in a country. A contraction, such as the -1.5% annualized decline now projected for Q1 2025 by the Atlanta Fed’s GDP model, suggests shrinking output, often signaling weaker employment, investment, and consumer confidence.

While two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth are commonly viewed as a recession, ever since the Biden administration’s economic circus, the National Bureau of Economic Research makes the official call using broader indicators.

The GDP model, updated in real-time with data from agencies like the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, revised its Q1 2025 estimate sharply downward from +3.9% in early February to -1.5% by Feb. 28. The primary driver is a historic plunge in net exports, with the trade deficit’s drag on GDP worsening from -0.41 to -3.70 percentage points. Analysts attribute this to importers stockpiling goods ahead of anticipated tariffs, a trend tied to recent policy uncertainty.

Consumer spending, which drives roughly 70% of U.S. GDP, also softened. Personal consumption expenditures growth estimates fell from 2.3% to 1.3%, reflecting weaker January retail and income data. Government spending contributions dropped to 0.2%, while private investment sank due to a steep inventory drawdown.

Bitcoin and stocks are already on edge. U.S. equities may face near-term pressure as investors weigh risks of declining corporate earnings. The SP 500 has historically reacted negatively to growth downgrades, as seen during similar revisions in 2022. However, markets could stabilize if the Federal Reserve pivots to rate cuts, lowering borrowing costs and buoying sectors like technology and housing.

Cryptocurrencies, viewed by some as high-risk assets, may see volatility. Bitcoin and peers could initially drop amid broader risk aversion, mirroring trends during the most recent economic scares and Trump tariffs. Yet, if the Fed eases monetary policy, crypto prices might rebound as investors seek alternatives to traditional markets. Regulatory developments, including the recent positivity from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and inflation trends—still at 3% as of January—will further influence crypto sentiment.

The Fed’s benchmark rate stands at 4.25%-4.50%, with inflation remaining above its 2% target. While the GDP contraction raises pressure to cut rates, policymakers are likely to await confirmation from February data before acting. Chair Jerome Powell has emphasized balancing growth risks against persistent price pressures, leaving the door open for adjustments but avoiding premature moves. CME futures, however, show that at least at the next meeting, the Fed will most likely keep rates steady.

CME Fedwatch took on Fed rate change odds.

The Atlanta Fed’s GDP model’s average error margin of 0.77 percentage points means the -1.5% figure could shift with incoming data, including February trade figures due in March. For now, the projection highlights the fragility of an economy navigating trade policy shifts and cooling demand. Markets will watch for signals from the Fed’s March meeting, where updated growth and rate forecasts could clarify the path ahead.

While a single quarter of contraction does not guarantee a recession, the sharp revision highlights vulnerabilities in key economic pillars. Investors, businesses, and policymakers alike face a critical juncture as they assess whether this dip marks a temporary stumble or the start of a prolonged downturn.

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