US Economy Continues to Defy Expectations, Despite Lingering Concerns

The US economy continues to grow, but a sense of unease persists, coined as the "vibecession," characterized by stagnant real wages and the impact of inflation on people's economic situation. While some indicators show positive signs, such as increased travel and retail sales, measures like the University of Michigan sentiment index reveal a popular malaise, with inflation being a major concern. For younger generations, the changing work culture, the gig economy, and the challenges posed by AI and the pandemic further complicate economic priorities and create a "passion crisis."