I have a very basic understanding of economics, but recession would definitely reduce inflation.

I think the real issue is that the "economy" and markets are so disconnected from the reality of the everyday American. Wealth inequality was already bad in 2008, but its only gotten exponentially worse. Who cares if the stock market is good and GDP growth is steady if none of that value is making its way to the workers' pockets. Shit is bad out here but the market movers fail to see that.