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U.S. Economy Slows to 0.7% Growth Amid Shutdown

3/15/2026

47 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025, revised from 1.4%.
The revision leaves 2025 GDP at 2.1%, down from 2024's 2.8%.
The slowdown is driven by weaker consumer spending, government spending, and exports, plus a record-long government shutdown.
Inflation pressures persist because the personal consumption expenditures price index rose to 2.8% in January.

History

Historical Context

The Great Recession, officially lasting from December 2007 to June 2009, marked a severe economic downturn, with U.S. GDP contracting by 4.3%. Triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis and the collapse of major financial institutions like Lehman Brothers in 2008, the recession led to the loss of approximately 8.7 million jobs and a peak unemployment rate of 10% by October 2009, shaping ongoing economic policies and debates.

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Story summary

The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025, revised from 1.4%.
The revision leaves 2025 GDP at 2.1%, down from 2024's 2.8%.
The slowdown is driven by weaker consumer spending, government spending, and exports, plus a record-long government shutdown.
Inflation pressures persist because the personal consumption expenditures price index rose to 2.8% in January.

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