US GDP growth slows to 1.5 pct in Q2

The U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 1.5 percent in the second quarter of 2026, according to data released on Thursday by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The figure was well below the 2.1 percent growth rate recorded in the first quarter and lower than the 2.1 percent economists had predicted.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 0.5 percent.

US GDP growth slows to 1.5 pct in Q2

Oil prices went down on Thursday.

The West Texas Intermediate for September delivery lost 87 cents, or 1.03 percent, to settle at 83.59 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for September delivery dropped 1.71 dollars, or 1.88 percent, to settle at 89.03 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

Crude futures settle lower