February 20, 2026 at 08:37AM
US economic growth slows sharply in the fourth quarter
US economic growth cooled sharply in Q4, with GDP advancing at an annualized rate of 1.4%. Economists had expected around 3.0% growth for the quarter.
The slower pace points to softer momentum in the final stretch of the year, despite earlier strength in other areas of the economy.
Inflation and higher interest rates remain as headwinds, influencing consumer spending and business investment signals into the new year.