The US economy is projected to grow in 2026, driven by investments in artificial intelligence, yet high unemployment rates are expected to persist. Despite economic expansion, the labor market remains stagnant, with college-educated and non-healthcare workers particularly affected. The fear and greed index shows mixed signals as wage growth slows and job opportunities decline. Black unemployment reached 8.3% in November 2025, marking the highest level since 2019. Economic policy shifts, including Federal Reserve rate cuts and easing of Trump-era trade policies, may influence altcoin markets as investors react to these changes.