Image: Welch & ForbesU.S. GDP Grows at 2% Annualized Rate in Q1 2026 Led by AI Business Investment
β’ Real GDP expanded at a 2% annualized pace in Q1 2026, driven by business investment surging to its fastest rate in nearly three years on AI equipment and software spending. β’ Consumer spending rose modestly at 1.6%, down from 1.9% last quarter, impacted by bad winter weather and March energy price spikes. β’ ISM Manufacturing PMI hit 52.7 and Services PMI 53.6 in April, marking continued expansion with Prices Paid Index steady at 70.7 signaling persistent inflation pressures.
welchforbes.com