The U.S. economy faces mounting headwinds. Here are the biggest risks.

September 14, 2026 / 1:48 PM EDT / CBS News

The U.S. economy faces mounting headwinds. Here are the biggest risks.

TL;DR

  • The U.S. economy's resilience is being tested by emerging and lingering threats.
  • Rising oil prices, driven by Middle East conflict, threaten to increase inflation.
  • Potential Federal Reserve interest rate hikes could increase borrowing costs and pressure stock markets.
  • Record federal debt and rising interest payments pose a fiscal risk.
  • A potential downturn in AI stock valuations could negatively impact consumer spending, particularly among higher-income households.