Many people are wondering if a severe recession is coming or not because the global economy is so unsteady.

While inflation rates have begun rising, interest rates are also increasing, and geopolitical situations are uncertain, the markets are signalling unclear directions. But what is the evidence, and should one be preparing for the worst?

This postmodern, or postindustrial, society is currently in a state of real global conditions.

Let’s start with the basics: inflation is sky-high. In the developed world—including the United States, Europe, and some parts of Asia—inflation has risen to rates not seen in many years. This means that central banks have had no option but to increase interest rates to stabilise inflation. The Federal Reserve, the ECB, and other significant banks have pulled several stunts; monetary policies have been made strict with costs of borrowing raised with a view to cool the overheating economy.

Since the pandemic was over, supply chains have not been able to recover across the globe. It's worsening by labour inefficiencies, supply chain issues, and a continuing chip crisis that affects technology and cars. Further, the Russia-Ukraine situation has made the circumstances in energy worse; fuel and energy costs are through the roof. Europe, relying on deliveries of Russian energy, is currently trying to find resources for the winter, and even this only raises energy prices higher.

The problem now, however, is that the entire world economy is integrated to a very high degree, meaning that a recession in one major economy such as the United States or China will certainly affect smaller economies all over the world.

Of course, not all analysts have bought into the optimism. Unfortunately, some analysts have insisted that the economy has mechanisms to deal with these complications. For instance, where there is a show of inflation, central banks may start to allow lower interest rates, which will lead to more spending. Technological change, better supply chain management, and government action may just be enough to get the global economy back on the growth path.

So in that regard, the average man or woman out there will experience a recession if there is any, no doubt. One can anticipate that some firms will stimulate employment reductions, and wages are likely to stay fixed for an extended period; prices will also be high. People’s living standards will have to be reduced, meaning little money will be available to spend. Businesses will also have to reduce their expenses, hence limiting the amount of money even for growth.

There is no doubt the world economy is currently in an unstable state. Despite this, there are signs that a recession could occur, but it doesn’t have to happen. Results for some of the core economic variables, such as inflation, employment rates, and consumers’ expenditure indicators, will be available in the subsequent months. However, little tactics such as coming up with a list of economic indicators, including recession proofing, and avoiding huge risks in these more uncertain periods can be useful.