How Real GDP Growth Rebounded to 1.6 Percent in Early 2026

The first quarter of 2026 saw real GDP growth jump to an annualised 1.6 percent, up from just 0.5 percent in the previous quarter. Lucas and Luna break down what drove the rebound — from a surge in job openings to stabilising consumer spending — and why the 1.6 percent figure still signals a sluggish expansion. They also examine the role of sticky core inflation and the Fed's cautious stance, and what Friday's jobs report could mean for the next quarter. If you've wondered whether the US economy is actually accelerating or just bouncing along the bottom, this episode gives you the concrete numbers and context to decide. #US_Economy #GDP #RealGDP #EconomicGrowth #FederalReserve #Inflation #CoreCPI #JobOpenings #JOLTS #ConsumerSpending #Economics #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #MacroEconomics #FirstQuarter2026 #InterestRates #FedPolicy #LaborMarket Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo