Last year’s odd economy in five charts, and what to watch for in 2026
January 4, 2026
The economy in 2025 was filled with contradictions, as growth was healthy while hiring slowed, inflation stayed elevated and unemployment rose. Last year’s odd outcomes raise a host of questions for the upcoming year: Will a growing economy eventually boost the sluggish job market? Or are last year’s weak job gains a sign of a stumbling economy that could get worse? Many economists are modestly optimistic that growth will continue in 2026 and hiring will follow.