We are heading toward thelongest economic expansion in history, but there are a fewlandmines that could slow, stall or even reverse the growth. “We'vehad a slow recovery followed by an adrenalin shot from the tax cutwhich has extended our economic expansion,” JudyHoffman, president of Trigild and thefounder of the Trigild Lender Conference, tellsGlobeSt.com. Hoffman says that there could be a recession on thehorizon as a result of some of the instability in the market.Unlike the previous recession, these potential economic disruptorsare largely politically motivated.

“It feels like there are more landmines than ever—and much ofthe uncertainty stems from our political climate. I was surprisedto read that 42% of Americans say President Donald Trump should beimpeached and removed from office, which is only one point lowerthan the 43% who said the same of Nixon in a March 1974,” Hoffmansays. “No matter what your politics may be, this tells me thatthere is a large degree of uncertainty in our political climate anduncertainty always gives me pause.”

In addition to the acrimonious political climate, policy changescould also have a negative impact on economic growth. The currenttrade tariffs and potential trade disputes. “I'm concerned aboutthe unforeseen consequences of a trade war and the potentialrestructuring of NAFTA,” adds Hoffman. “Manufacturing a product,and even providing a service, is often interlinked with many othercompanies in numerous countries. Look at an Apple iPhone. To makean iPhone, the manufacturing process encompasses 24 companies thatare in 11 different countries. It's possible that a trade war couldhave a ripple effect and make a greater impact than anyonepredicts.”