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How a slowing GDP might be good news for the economy

Jul 24, 2024
The Federal Reserve will be looking for signs that the economy is slowing in a manageable way so that it can cut interest rates.

Business investment, part of GDP, reflects the level of optimism

Jul 22, 2024
Whether it’s new machines for a factory or better software to manage payments, companies spend because they see opportunities.

How trade-oriented is the U.S. economy?

Jul 10, 2024
Compared to many other countries, the U.S. trade-to-GDP ratio is below the global average. But the explanation is complicated.
The U.S. imports and exports hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of goods and services ever year, but international trade accounts for a relatively low percentage of GDP.
Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images

Breaking down Fed Chair Jay Powell's latest GDP report analysis

Jun 27, 2024
Powell is paying close attention to "final sales," a narrower measure than GDP itself that focuses on private sector demand.

How cooling U.S. GDP growth affects the global economy

May 30, 2024
The annual expansion was revised down to 1.3%. That could indicate softening elsewhere, including trade partners like Canada and China.

U.S. GDP grew by 1.6% in the first quarter, slower than expected

Apr 25, 2024
This marks the end of a six-quarter streak of GDP growth of 2% or more. But the downshift might not be cause for worry just yet.

For public good, not for profit.

Biden administration moves forward with measuring nature's economic impact

Feb 2, 2024
At a recent ocean biodiversity summit, federal officials touted the plan to quantify the country’s natural assets and the services provided by healthy ecosystems, like tree canopies that can cool urban areas or kelp forests that prevent coastline erosion.

Who’s afraid of our $34 trillion national debt?

Jan 30, 2024
Our U.S. debt is bigger than our economic output. Consequences include ballooning interest payments and potential trust issues.
The U.S. national debt is about 120% of what the economy generates in a year. But is this cause for concern?
Win McNamee/Getty Images