Economists believe a US recession won’t occur in 2024 due to weak consumer demand.

Companies, investors, and others are still expecting a slowdown, with leading corporations being more cautious in planning for the year.

Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Barclays expect higher interest rates, oil prices, and a weaker China to limit global growth in 2024, but a recession is unlikely.

Companies generally describe demand as modest but not alarming, and as demand for goods slows, companies have slashed inventories.

Big institutions predict a U.S. recession and worldwide slowdown in 2023, with even the most optimistic estimates predicted a 9% S&P 500 rise in 2023.

Companies are being cautious and patient, and the disconnect doesn’t bother fund managers, who care whether the Federal Reserve can avoid recession and regulate inflation without hurting consumers.