Stocks Volatile as Investors Parse Recession Risks, Inflation, and Cooling Job Market
• Stocks are off to a volatile start in 2023 after a strong rally at the end of 2022 • Investors are concerned about potential recession risks, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty around Fed policy • Inflation has come down but remains above the Fed's 2% target • The US national debt has topped $34 trillion ahead of upcoming Congressional budget deadlines • Job openings fell in November to the lowest level since March 2021, signaling a cooling labor market