GDP increased 2% in first quarter of 2026

The U.S. GDP showed an increase of 2.0% for the first quarter of 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Thursday.

"First quarter GDP was in line with expectations, as a surge in business investment offset a sizable drag from trade. Consumption was relatively weak across the quarter, but most of that was concentrated in January when severe winter weather kept consumers home. The PCE index—the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure—rose to its highest level in nearly three years,” said America’s Credit Unions Chief Economist Curt Long. “Economic growth is trending steadily upward as the AI boom is proving to be strong and durable enough to compensate for other areas of weakness, but inflation shows no signs of moderating. Credit unions remain focused on addressing their members’ affordability concerns by offering low-cost financial services."