By most indications, the Federal Reserve has engineered a soft landing for the economy. Loosely defined, that is the economy is still growing solidly in terms of jobs and wages despite a heavy dose of interest rate hikes from the Fed. Now many on Wall Street expect the economy to re-accelerate into year end and in 2025 as the Fed begins a rate cutting campaign. But are investors being too optimistic about the economy? After all, inflation continues to pressure the average household and many feel economically left behind from the past four years. Yahoo Finance executive editor Brian Sozzi sits down with Mastercard Economics Institute chief economist Michelle Meyer inside the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square to get an inside view of the US economy, and how things may shake out post-election for consumers. Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid, brings you a high-octane take on the freshest analyst calls, wildest stock moves and shrewdest commentary in the business world. Executive Editor Brian Sozzi puts Wall Street's finest through their paces in this essential conversation for every investor - before the stock market opens. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Opening Bid at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/opening-bid/. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Michelle Meyer joins Opening Bid 03:00-Holiday forecast from the Mastercard Economics Institute 06:20-Fed rate cuts impact on consumers 14:00-Does pandemic inflation linger? 19:30-Taylor Swift's 'Swift Lift' Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid is hosted by Brian Sozzi, and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Leading the Mastercard Economics Institute as chief economist, Michelle Meyer’s responsibilities include development and delivery of differentiated economic, financial, policy and market thought leadership for customers, Mastercard and public policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices