The Atlanta Federal Reserve’s GDPNow model estimate for U.S. third-quarter 2026 growth has been revised down to 3.7%, from a prior reading of 5.0%. According to the latest update on 30 September 2026, the nowcast suggests a moderating pace of real GDP expansion compared with earlier expectations for more robust activity.
This shift from 5.0% to 3.7% for the same quarter indicates that incoming data through late September have pointed to a softer growth profile than initially projected. While a 3.7% annualized growth rate still reflects solid economic momentum by historical standards, the downgrade may influence market expectations around corporate earnings, consumer demand, and the Federal Reserve’s policy path as the quarter’s data are finalized.
The GDPNow estimate, which tracks high-frequency data releases to provide a running forecast of real GDP growth, will continue to be closely watched by investors and policymakers as further information for the third quarter becomes available and the official government figures approach.
