Report
Published February 10, 2026
Credit & Economic Trends Economic & Market Insights
After outperforming expectations in 2025, the U.S. economy heads into 2026 with momentum - and meaningful risks. This Macro Moment explores the forces shaping the year ahead, from AI-driven growth and consumer resilience to evolving credit conditions and labor market uncertainty, helping leaders prepare for what’s next. Key takeaways include:
- The economic signals that mattered most in 2025 - and why they still matter
- How AI, consumers, and credit conditions are shaping 2026
- Where risks remain and what to watch in the labor market
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Webinar
Macroeconomic Scenarios Forecast - May 2026
Economic uncertainty remains elevated amid geopolitical instability, but the U.S. economy continues to show resilience. Explore Experian's latest base-case forecast and what it could mean for businesses planning ahead.
- GDP growth projected at 2.0% in 2026 and 2.1% in 2027
- Inflation expected to rise to 3.5% in 2026 before easing to 2.1% in 2027
- Unemployment forecast to hold steady at 4.4% through 2027
Report
Energy Shock vs. Consumers
Consumers have powered the U.S. economy through repeated shocks, but new pressures are testing their resilience. As energy prices rise and economic conditions shift, the outlook is becoming more uncertain.
- Labor market strength is weakening
- Income and wage growth are slowing
- High equity exposure increases risk
Infographic
2026 H1 Alternative financial services trends snapshot: growth, risk and where it’s moving
Download the latest Alternative Financial Services Trend Report to reveal new insights on growth and risk, including:
- Loan volume is up 21% YoY across installment and single pay products
- Installment bad rates declined 6.8% YoY
- Returning borrowers grew 26.5% YoY in RTO/LTO
Webinar
Understanding the Consumer: Trends in Financial Behavior and Spending Patterns
Gain a clearer view of how consumers earn, spend, and manage their money in today’s evolving economic landscape. In this webinar, Experian experts break down the financial behaviors shaping demand, risk, and growth—using macroeconomic trends, credit data, and transaction-level cash flow insights.
- Key trends in spending, income stability, and cash flow
- What credit and cash flow signals reveal about your customers
- How to apply these insights to marketing, risk, and growth strategies