Real consumer spending growth in the United States slowed to an annualized 2.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, easing from a robust 3.5% increase recorded in the third quarter of 2025. The latest figure, updated on 20 February 2026, points to a moderation in household demand after a stronger stretch of consumption earlier in the year.
The deceleration suggests that while U.S. consumers continued to support economic activity at the end of 2025, the pace of spending growth is no longer as vigorous as in the prior quarter. This cooling in real consumption may signal a more cautious stance by households amid evolving economic conditions, with potential implications for overall GDP momentum heading into 2026.
