Finance

US Q4 2025 GDP revised down to 0.7%, signaling a softer 2026 path

The BEA's second estimate shows Q4 2025 real GDP grew at an annualized 0.7%, down from the 1.4% advance. The revision, along with a larger drag from a 43-day partial shutdown and downgrades to exports, consumer spending, and government investment, points to a softer start for 2026.

US Q4 2025 GDP revised down to 0.7%, signaling a softer 2026 path

Key Takeaways

  • BEA's second estimate puts Q4 2025 real GDP at 0.7% (annualized).
  • Advance Q4 2025 GDP was 1.4%, with consensus also at 1.4% per LSEG.
  • 2025 annual GDP around 2.08%, with downgrades to exports, consumer and government spending, and investment.
  • Real final sales to private domestic purchasers rose 1.9% in Q4, revised down 0.5 percentage points.
  • 43-day partial government shutdown drag is estimated to subtract about 1 percentage point from Q4 GDP (unquantified).

People Involved

  • Jerome Powell Federal Reserve Chair
  • Ellen Zentner Chief US Economist, Morgan Stanley
  • Bret Kenwell Market Analyst, eToro

Entities Involved

  • Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) U.S. government statistical agency releasing GDP data
  • Fox Business News outlet reporting the data and revisions
  • London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Provider of consensus GDP growth estimates
  • Morgan Stanley Investment bank; employer of Ellen Zentner
  • eToro Trading platform; employer of Bret Kenwell

MarketMoodz Analysis

The softer Q4 print and the implied slower 2026 path shift market expectations for earnings, especially in consumer-facing and capex-heavy sectors. With inflation remaining sticky and the Fed likely to hold rates steady, risk assets could face a re-pricing as investors recalibrate growth and policy timelines.

Historically, quarterly GDP data can swing on a few components and revisions; the 2025 sequence saw a rebound in Q2 and Q3 before the Q4 downgrade, underscoring the risk of premature conclusions about a durable recovery. The BEA’s final revision later this year will be crucial for the full year picture and for yields, equity multiples, and sector leadership.

What to watch next: the BEA’s final Q4 revision will incorporate additional data; monitor December inflation prints and labor-market signals for 2026, as well as any shift in Fed expectations that could affect rate-cut timelines and equity valuations.

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