🌐 Live Economic Update — Aug 3, 2025

📉 GDP growth slowed to ~1.2% in H1 2025, down from 2.5% in 2024, despite a stronger Q2 pace of ~3%.

🏛️ Powell clarified that strong Q2 was trade‑distorted—growth smoothing shows deeper weakness.

📊 Core inflation remains slightly high (PCE ~2.5%, CPI ~2.9%); consumer spending has cooled.

⚠️ Fed left rates at 4.25–4.50%, showing no rush to cut despite Trump’s pressure.

📉 Labor market still firm (~4.1% unemployment), but downside risks are building.

🏦 Markets reacted with a stronger dollar, higher yields, and moderation of recession bets. #USGDP #PowellWatch #FedPolicy #EconomicSlowdown #InflationWatch