What's really coming in 2026—expansion or contraction? That's the million-dollar question.

Economic analyst Brian Jacobsen breaks down the big picture: Will we see continued growth or hit a slowdown? More importantly, how's consumer confidence trending right now? Is it gaining steam or losing momentum?

These aren't just academic debates. For anyone holding crypto or thinking about portfolio moves, understanding the macro backdrop matters. Consumer confidence historically signals where discretionary spending—and market appetite—heads next. A strengthening consumer could mean risk appetite stays high. Weakness? That often triggers flight-to-safety behavior.

The rapid-fire takeaway: Watch 2026's economic data closely. Recession fears or sustained growth will reshape everything from asset flows to volatility patterns. Your investment thesis might depend on getting this call right.