Lady Gaga, Low-Rise Jeans, and the Next Recession

The Journal.

Economists have long analyzed data to predict the next recession. They’ve also turned to more offbeat economic gauges like underwear sales and skirt lengths. But now, the TikTok generation is seeing recession indicators everywhere. WSJ’s Hannah Erin Lang explains what Gen Z’s fascination with harbingers of economic doom might actually mean for the economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts. 


Further Listening:

- Is the Economy… OK? 

- Trump 2.0: Where Is The Economy Headed? 


Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Economists have long analyzed data to predict the next recession. They’ve also turned to more offbeat economic gauges like underwear sales and skirt lengths. But now, the TikTok generation is seeing recession indicators everywhere. WSJ’s Hannah Erin Lang explains what Gen Z’s fascination with harbingers of economic doom might actually mean for the economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts. 


Further Listening:

- Is the Economy… OK? 

- Trump 2.0: Where Is The Economy Headed? 


Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2025-05-23 19 min
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