Mohamed A. El-Erian , Columnist

Ugly Markets Might Contaminate the U.S. Economy

Missteps and mismanagement by the country’s leadership pose a growing risk.

Make it stop.

Photographer: Drew Angerer/Getty Images North America
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The U.S. economy, if left to its own devices, probably wouldn't even come close to falling into recession in 2019-2020, even amid the uncertain outlooks for Europe, Japan, China and the large oil producers. But the economy is not being left to its own devices.

In recent weeks, it has become more vulnerable to the possibility of policy mistakes and market accidents. These self-inflicted wounds, while yet to constitute a critical mass, have become more of a threat to economic and corporate fundamentals, rendering both more susceptible to the slowing global economy.