GDP & Economic Growth
What gross domestic product measures, how it's calculated, and what quarterly GDP data reveals about the health of the economy.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total monetary value of all finished goods and services produced within a country over a specific period, and is the single most-watched gauge of economic size and growth. In the U.S., the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports GDP quarterly, first as an advance estimate that gets revised twice as more complete data arrives. Economists commonly define a recession as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth, though the official U.S. determination, made by the National Bureau of Economic Research, considers a broader set of indicators. Markets react most to whether GDP growth is accelerating, decelerating, or reversing relative to expectations, not just its absolute level.
Explore GDP & Economic Growth
Nominal vs Real GDP: What’s the Difference?
Nominal GDP can rise even when an economy produces nothing more. Here is how real GDP strips out inflation to show what actually changed.
By Allen Krewzz · July 5, 2026
The Complete Guide to GDP: Calculation, Growth, and Limitations
GDP is the number behind almost every 'the economy is growing/shrinking' headline. Here's exactly what it measures, how nominal and real GDP differ, how to read the growth rate, and where it falls short.
By Deepak Kuldeep · July 5, 2026
GDP Growth Beats Forecasts in Q2 2026
Output expanded faster than expected on resilient consumer spending.
By Tamanna Shaikh · June 28, 2026