U.S. Business And The Economy

Forbes editors and writers take a look ahead at U.S. business and the economy in 2009. Click on the authors to read what they think will be the big trend, hear their unconventional wisdom, be cautioned against misplaced assumptions, check the watch list and get a bold prediction

VICTORIA BARRETAccelerated change is everywhere. Industry shifts that would have taken years had the economy kept humming along will now occur in months
RICH KARLGAARDThe unevenness of U.S. prosperity will smooth out for individuals as the rich and upper-middle classes are socked by higher taxes on top of their recent asset losses, but will get more jagged by region.

ROBERT LENZNERDe-leveraging requires an extended period when credit market debt is 350% of gross domestic product. This will require the Fed to expand its balance sheets (and other central banks to follow suit).




MICHAEL NOERExpect the beginnings of a green tech bubble by mid-2010.