Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.0% in the second quarter of 2025, according to the advance estimate, as released by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The 3.0% was a significant jump from Q1, which ended up at -0.5%, the first quarter of contraction since the first quarter of 2022 (-1.0%). GDP's increase in the first quarter surpassed analyst forecasts of 2.3% annualized rate, according to Marketwatch.
This rebound was driven by a sharp drop in imports and a modest rise in consumer spending, which reversed the first quarter’s 0.5% decline. Despite ongoing trade tensions and tariff uncertainty, the data showed resilience across key sectors, with inflation indicators easing slightly but remaining above the Federal Reserve’s target.
While headline GDP growth was strong, underlying indicators showed signs of slowing. Final sales to private domestic purchasers rose just 1.2%, the weakest pace since late 2022, and residential investment fell 4.6%, reflecting pressure on the housing market. Government spending also declined, with federal outlays down 3.7%, though state and local expenditures rose. The Fed is expected to hold rates steady at its meeting later today, maintaining the current 4.25%-4.5% range.
"This report is unlikely to shift the Federal Reserve’s stance. With inflation remaining elevated and growth uneven, the Fed will likely maintain current policy and wait for more consistent signals before considering rate cuts. For investors, this reinforces the importance of managing risk and focusing on fundamentals, rather than reacting to headline numbers," Gina Bolvin, president of Bolvin Wealth Management Group, wrote to InvestmentNews.
Eric Teal, chief investment officer at Comerica Wealth Management, noted the impact of the tariffs earlier in the year may be offset by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA):
"The tariff threats pulled forward consumption in the second quarter. However, we anticipate the benefits from the OBBBA will offset most declines related to higher tariffs. However, we are closely monitoring real rates given the U.S. debt levels and the fact that the full effects of tariff policy have yet to be realized," Teal wrote to InvestmentNews.
Choice anxiety, prestige bias, and the temptation to make selections based on outsourced confidence are just some of the parallels between investing and the world of wine tasting.
Regulators found Bank of America's monitoring software had a known flaw Merrill left uncorrected for years.
While AI has become a go-to research tool for affluent investors, new HSBC research suggests human advisors remain the deciding voice when investment decisions are made.
A 5-4 ruling preserves the Federal Reserve's independence for now, but the legal fight over presidential removal power is far from settled.
For years, large firms have been facing penalties and questions from regulators over interest rates for clients’ cash accounts.
Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income
Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.
