Washington Job Market Cools but Avoids Recession So Far as Economy Faces Uncertain Outlook

Hiring in Washington has cooled from last summer's hot pace but unemployment remains low at 3.6%. Experts debate if the economy faces a mild recession or soft landing.

The state's diverse economy shows mixed signals. Tech and construction lead hiring gains but hospitality lags.

Inflation, supply chains, and rates are damping business. Port volumes and restaurant sales lag.

Downtown Seattle struggles with foot traffic but averts feared office foreclosures so far.

With so many variables, experts admit predicting the economic outcome is difficult and uncertain.