U.S. economic growth slowed markedly in the fourth quarter of 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 1.4% quarter-over-quarter, down from a robust 4.4% in the third quarter of 2025. The latest data, updated on 20 February 2026, indicate a significant loss of momentum at the end of the year.
On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the current reading compares the change in output in the fourth quarter to the third quarter, while the previous figure reflected the change in the third quarter relative to the second quarter. The sharp deceleration from 4.4% to 1.4% suggests that the U.S. economy moved from rapid expansion to a more subdued pace of growth as 2025 drew to a close, highlighting a cooling trend after a strong mid-year performance.
