US economy shakes off recession fears heading into 2020

Series of rate cuts, resolution of trade-related threats have mostly erased risk of downturn

Shipping containers at the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in the US, last month. US President Donald Trump reached a limited trade agreement with China that scrapped hefty tariffs in exchange for China agreeing to buy about US$200 bi
Shipping containers at the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in the US, last month. US President Donald Trump reached a limited trade agreement with China that scrapped hefty tariffs in exchange for China agreeing to buy about US$200 billion (S$271 billion) more in US goods over the next two years. The move has eased fears of a trade-war-induced recession. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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WASHINGTON • The United States economy is heading into next year at a pace of steady, sustained growth after a series of interest rate cuts and the apparent resolution of two trade-related threats mostly eliminated the risk of a recession.

This marks a dramatic turnaround since August, when some forecasters predicted a 50 per cent chance of a downturn starting by the end of next year.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 17, 2019, with the headline US economy shakes off recession fears heading into 2020. Subscribe