US Economy - News, Updates and Discussion

Real gross domestic product (GDP)increased at an annual rate of 2.1 percent in the first quarter of 2026 (January, February, and March), according to the third estimate released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter of 2025, real GDP increased 0.5 percent.

Real GDP was revised up 0.5 percentage point from the second estimate, primarily reflecting a downward revision to imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, that was partly offset by a downward revision to consumer spending. For more information, refer to the "Technical Notes" below.


US GDP has been revised up to 2.1% in the final Q1 estimate. Very strong growth
 
Real gross domestic product (GDP)increased at an annual rate of 2.1 percent in the first quarter of 2026 (January, February, and March), according to the third estimate released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter of 2025, real GDP increased 0.5 percent.

Real GDP was revised up 0.5 percentage point from the second estimate, primarily reflecting a downward revision to imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, that was partly offset by a downward revision to consumer spending. For more information, refer to the "Technical Notes" below.


US GDP has been revised up to 2.1% in the final Q1 estimate. Very strong growth
Odd. Everyone else seems to consider it to be moderate growth.
 

While IP is clear - it consists primarily of Software, the kind that one uses to create and develop AI tools, as well as R&D - the components behind Nonresidential equipment need a closer look again, and here we find that Information Processing equipment, i.e., data centers, grew at a stunning 14%, comprising virtually all of the 0.81% contribution to 2.1% GDP growth.

1782401253056.jpeg

And there you have it: between Software (0.74% of the GDP growth) and Nonresidential Equipment (0.81%), AI - which was the primary driver behind growth in both - contributed just over 1.5% to GDP growth of 2.1%; in other words about 74% of all US growth in Q1 was due to AI.

Another way to visualize the remarkable impact of spending on "computers" is the chart below: it clearly shows just how reliant the US has become on spending on computer products.


1782401097422.jpeg
 

While IP is clear - it consists primarily of Software, the kind that one uses to create and develop AI tools, as well as R&D - the components behind Nonresidential equipment need a closer look again, and here we find that Information Processing equipment, i.e., data centers, grew at a stunning 14%, comprising virtually all of the 0.81% contribution to 2.1% GDP growth.

View attachment 203112

And there you have it: between Software (0.74% of the GDP growth) and Nonresidential Equipment (0.81%), AI - which was the primary driver behind growth in both - contributed just over 1.5% to GDP growth of 2.1%; in other words about 74% of all US growth in Q1 was due to AI.

Another way to visualize the remarkable impact of spending on "computers" is the chart below: it clearly shows just how reliant the US has become on spending on computer products.


View attachment 203110
That's why peeling back of the onion is critical. The shallow thinkers refuse to do that.

ETA: While the article was written by Tyler Durden, several of the statements he makes are easily verifiable through other sources.

Housing continues to be a concern.
 

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