"I'm very, very optimistic about 2026. We've laid the foundation for a very strong, non-inflationary growth economy," Bessent said on NBC News' Meet The Press program on Sunday, CNBC reports.
During the year, there have been concerns that the labor market will weaken, that inflation will not fall, that the stock market is in a bubble, and that the enormous tax cuts in the state budget will put pressure on the bond market.
But Bessent spoke warmly about the Republicans' massive spending package in the budget, and that its effects have not yet had an impact on the economy. Tax cuts, deductions and state and local relief for households will do their part, according to Bessent.
After being temporarily pushed up, healthcare costs are also expected to become more affordable, he stated.
Bessent nevertheless admitted that parts of the economy are showing signs of problems – including the housing sector and interest rate-sensitive sectors.
He mentioned that the service sector is helping to fuel inflation but argued that lower energy prices will soon help push prices down.
