And markets are already reacting to it.

Right now, stocks and crypto are both falling sharply, and many people think this dump has no clear reason.

But if you look at the economic data coming out of the US, the weakness is becoming very visible, and that is what markets are pricing in.

First signal: Job market is cracking.

In the latest data, more than 100K job cuts were recorded in January alone. This is the highest level of layoffs in January since 2009, the same period when the US economy was in recession.

At the same time, JOLTS job openings came in much lower than expected.

New job openings are now at their lowest level since 2023.

This means companies are not hiring and are instead cutting jobs, a clear sign that business conditions are weakening.

When hiring slows and layoffs rise together, consumer spending usually falls next.

Second signal: Stress in the tech credit market.

A large portion of tech loans and bonds are now distressed.

• Tech loan distress ratio is around 14.5%, the highest since the 2022 bear market.

• Tech bond distress ratio is near 9.5%, the highest since Q4 2023.

This means many tech companies are struggling to service debt.

When companies face debt stress, they cut costs, freeze hiring, and reduce spending, which slows the overall economy further.

Third signal: Housing market demand is collapsing.

Home sellers in the US have now outnumbered buyers by about 530,000, the biggest gap ever recorded. This shows demand is weak.

Housing is one of the largest parts of the economy.

When housing slows, it affects construction, banks, lending, and consumer confidence; all recession linked sectors.

Fourth signal: The Fed is not easing yet.

Despite economic weakness, the Federal Reserve is still maintaining a hawkish stance. Rate cuts are paused, and near term cuts look unlikely.

This means liquidity is not increasing, which makes economic stress worse instead of better.

Fifth signal: Bond market is flashing recession warnings.

The US 2Y vs 10Y yield spread has moved to its highest level in four years, a move known as bear steepening.

Historically, this shift has happened before recessions.

When you connect all the dots, the picture becomes clear:

• Job cuts rising

• Hiring falling

• Corporate debt stress increasing

• Housing demand weakening

• Fed staying hawkish

• Bond market signaling recession

Markets are not dumping without reason. They are reacting to growing signs that the US economy is slowing down and may be moving toward a recession phase.