the us economy has proven more resilient than anticipated despite recession forecasts treasury secretary janet yellen is due to say friday expressing hope the country can lower inflation while maintaining labor market strength her comments come shortly after revised economic data showed the worlds biggest economy expanded significantly more than estimated in the first quarter supported by consumer spending meanwhile inflation has been cooling on an annual basis i continue to believe that there is a path to reducing inflation while maintaining a healthy labor market yellen said in prepared remarks to be delivered at an event in new orleans without downplaying the significant risks ahead the evidence that weve seen so far suggests that we are on that path she added business leaders have also increasingly voiced confidence in the us economy according to her remarks labor market strength and strong household and business balance sheets she added should help support the economy going forward even if activity eases as inflation comes down while there are parts of our economy that are slowing down households are spending at a robust pace and businesses continue to invest yellen said with data signaling the us economy has been stronger than expected analysts said some are now questioning if a recession is inevitable for the country or if a soft landing is possible this refers to a scenario where inflation comes back down to policymakers two percent target without a major downturn in her prepared speech yellen also lauded the achievements of president joe bidens administration including efforts to boost infrastructure investment and the countrys semiconductor sector the presidents agenda dubbed bidenomics comes as he seeks reelection in 2024