The economic news for Monday:

In foreclosures:

The number of Americans at risk of foreclosure is rising, reflecting the U.S. economy’s continued struggles. The Mortgage Bankers Association says 8.44 percent of homeowners missed at least one mortgage payment in the April-June quarter. That figure, which is adjusted for seasonal factors, rose 0.12 percentage point from the January-March period. In a normal market, the percentage of delinquent borrowers is about 1.1 percent, according to the trade group.

In the Fed’s economic surveys:

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s general economic index plunged in August to the lowest level since March 2009, while the New York Fed’s regional index unexpectedly contracted for a third straight month, reports showed last week. July indicators of employment added little to the Chicago Fed’s gauge, while the category measuring sales, orders and inventories deteriorated last month.

In the markets:

Economists USA TODAY polled Aug. 3-11 said the odds of a U.S. recession are 1-in-3. Others put the chance near 40%. Gloomier prognosticators say it’s more like 50-50. But there’s another statistic that really makes investors anxious: The stock market has lost roughly half its value in the two most severe downturns, including a 46.2% drop in the 1973-75 recession and 52.6% in the Great Recession that ended in June 2009, UBS says. “Markets are now pricing in an increased probability of recession,” says Chip Miller, strategist at UBS. His firm puts the chance of recession at 40%.

In other news, President Obama did his part to help out the economy, eating at the Beach Plum Restaurant (entrees start at $28) and golfing at the Vineyard Golf Club (initiation fee for new members is $350,000).