UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research

The United States is experiencing modest growth with mixed signals from several key macroeconomic indicators. The third estimate for real gross domestic product (GDP) for 2026Q4 posted a weaker-than-expected annual growth rate of 0.5 percent, down from its prior estimate of 0.7 percent. Seasonally adjusted U.S. nonfarm employment increased by 178,000 jobs in March, driven by … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

The U.S. economy entered 2026 with modest growth but with mixed signals from several key indicators, along with ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased at an annualized rate of 1.4% in the fourth quarter, a slower pace than expected, bringing full-year growth to 2.2%. Employment also declined unexpectedly in February, losing 92,000 jobs. … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

The U.S. economy closed 2025 with solid output growth but mixed signals heading into early 2026. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased at a strong annualized rate of 4.4 percent in the third quarter. The labor market added 130,000 jobs in January, a stronger-than-expected increase and the largest gain since December 2024. The unemployment rate declined to 4.3 percent from … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

The federal government shutdown continued to affect several economic data series at the end of 2025 as a result of missing October values. The U.S. Department of Justice opened a federal investigation of Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns about the Fed’s ongoing independence. Chair Powell for the first time responded to the political pressure in written and televised … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

The ongoing federal government shutdown has delayed several key data releases, including third quarter real gross domestic product (GDP), September employment figures, among others. Real GDP grew at an annualized rate of 3.8 percent in the second quarter of 2025, supported by consumer spending and lower imports. August employment held steady at 159.54 million, up 0.9 percent … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annualized rate of 3.0 percent in the second quarter of 2025. The gain was driven by consumer spending and falling imports, which had surged in the prior quarter ahead of anticipated tariffs. Seasonally adjusted U.S. nonfarm employment only added 73,000 jobs in July, with revisions showing 258,000 fewer jobs than previously … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased at an annualized rate of 0.5 percent in the first quarter of 2025. This decline was primarily due to a surge in imports ahead of anticipated tariffs and a decrease in government spending, which was partially offset by increased investment and consumer spending. Seasonally adjusted U.S. nonfarm employment increased by 1.1 percent … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased at an annual rate of 0.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025, largely due to an increase in imports ahead of anticipated tariffs and a decrease in government spending. Seasonally adjusted U.S. nonfarm employment grew 1.1 percent compared to last year, adding a larger-than-expected 139,000 jobs in May. Growth was supported by gains … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

The second estimate for real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, which was mostly attributed to continued increases in consumer and government spending. Seasonally adjusted U.S. nonfarm employment increased by 151,000 jobs in February, with the unemployment rate reaching 4.1 percent and the number of unemployed … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

The advance estimate of U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024Q4 posted steady growth at an annualized percentage of 2.3 percent, largely reflecting continued strong consumer spending. Government spending also contributed positively to real GDP growth, while nonresidential and private inventory investments contributed negatively. Residential investment rebounded after … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

The U.S. economy made impressive gains in late 2024. The third and final estimate of U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024Q3 exceeded expectations at an annual rate of 3.1 percent, surpassing the original estimate of 2.8 percent. Industries like retail trade and healthcare contributed to the 2024Q3 increase in real GDP, while agriculture and administrative services … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

The second estimate of U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024Q3 increased at an annual rate of 2.8 percent, the same as last month’s advance estimate. Real GDP’s robust growth in 2024Q3 was driven by strong consumer spending, supported by higher real income growth, and increased government spending. A decline in private inventory investment and a continued larger … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

The advanced estimate of U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024Q3 increased at an annual rate of 2.8 percent. While real GDP experienced robust growth driven by strong consumer spending and increased federal government spending, a slight deceleration occurred in the third quarter from the 3.0 percent second quarter growth rate. This slowdown largely reflected decreased … [Read more...] about Business Indicators

The third estimate for U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024Q2 experienced a robust 3.0 percent annual growth rate, unchanged from the second estimate. Although the growth rate remained unchanged, the update reflected upward revisions in private inventory investment and federal government spending, partly offset by downward revisions in nonresidential fixed investment … [Read more...] about Business Indicators