The United States economy accelerated in the first quarter of 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) rising 2.0% quarter-over-quarter, according to data updated on 30 April 2026. This marks a notable improvement from the fourth quarter of 2025, when GDP grew by just 0.5% compared with the prior quarter.
On a quarter-over-quarter comparison basis, the latest figures indicate that economic momentum has strengthened significantly. The “actual” reading reflects the change in GDP between the first quarter of 2026 and the previous quarter, while the earlier 0.5% figure described the change between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the quarter before that.
The sharp uptick in growth suggests a firmer expansion at the start of 2026 compared with the relatively subdued pace seen at the end of 2025, offering a more upbeat signal on the near-term trajectory of the US economy.
