Previously Bullish Top Economist Turns Cautious | Anna Wong, Bloomberg

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Feb 15, 2026

Anna Wong, Chief U.S. Economist at Bloomberg Economics and former Fed and White House adviser, explains why an initially bullish 2026 outlook is turning cautious. She discusses AI-driven productivity and job shifts. She covers risks from equity-to-credit spillovers, deregulation-led investment, shelter-driven inflation, and how events like the World Cup could temporarily move GDP and markets.

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INSIGHT

AI Productivity Likely Brings Transitional Pain

Productivity gains from AI historically follow an S-shaped employment response with transition pain.
Anna expects a near-term hiring drag from AI productivity, with net positive employment gains arriving later.

INSIGHT

AI Could Amplify Capital Over Labor

AI can compress adoption timelines and amplify capital's share versus labor's share.
The trend could widen inequality and affect demographics, household formation, and long-term demand.

INSIGHT

Politics Can Curb Extreme Inequality

Extreme inequality historically provokes political responses in democracies.
Anna argues elections and policy shifts can check capitalist concentration before it becomes irreversible.

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The jury is still out for many analysts on the outlook for economic growth, inflation and the labor market this year.Some see lots of reasons for concern for the road ahead.Others are much more convinced 2026 is going to be a blockbuster year.Which is more likely?To find out, we have the good fortune to talk today with Dr Anna Wong, Chief U.S. Economist for Bloomberg Economics. Prior to her current role, Anna also worked at the Federal Reserve Board, the White House Council of Economics Advisers, and the U.S. Treasury.Anna and her team started the year quite bullish, seeing many of last year's headwinds turning into tailwinds in 2026.But, in light of recent developments, she's starting to turn more cautious.To find out why, watch this video.

Follow Anna on Bloomberg by typing BECO + "Go"Or on X at @AnnaEconomist

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