US GDP Growth Rises To 2.1% Beating 1.6% Consensus

The United States economy expanded at an annualized quarter‑on‑quarter rate of 2.1% in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing the consensus estimate of 1.6%. The reading compared with a 0.5% increase in the previous quarter, marking a 1.6‑percentage‑point acceleration in output growth. This result extended the rebound from late‑2025 softness and confirmed that activity remained in expansion territory. Stronger consumer spending and a pickup in business investment contributed most to the improvement, while government expenditure provided a smaller boost. The latest figure stood above the 12‑month average of roughly 1.3%, reflecting firmer domestic demand amid easing supply constraints. Treasury yields edged higher after the release as investors assessed implications for Federal Reserve policy and awaited upcoming inflation and employment data. Updated 6/25/26