US GDP Growth Slows to 1.5% in Q2 2026 Amid Iran War, Consumer Spending Holds
Hey, so I just heard that the U.S. economy's growth rate for the second quarter of 2026 is at 1.5%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. That’s a drop from the 2.1% we saw in the first quarter and also lower than the 2.1% that economists predicted in a Reuters survey, as CBS News reported. The slowdown seems to be tied to the ongoing war in Iran, but surprisingly, consumer spending is still holding strong. These numbers show how geopolitical issues can create challenges, but at least the solid demand from consumers is helping to prevent a bigger economic decline.
Key facts
- U.S. GDP grew at an annualized rate of 1.5% in Q2 2026.
- Q1 2026 growth was 2.1%.
- Economists' consensus forecast was 2.1% for Q2.
- The slowdown was attributed to the Iran war.
- Consumer spending held up despite the slowdown.
- Data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
- Reuters poll of economists cited by CBS News.
Entities
Institutions
- Bureau of Economic Analysis
- Reuters
- CBS News
Locations
- United States
Sources
- Quartz —