The U.S. economy grew at a lackluster 1.3% annual rate from January through March as businesses wary of an economic slowdown trimmed their inventories, the government said Thursday, a slight upgrade from its initial estimate.

The government had previously estimated that the economy grew at a 1.1% annual rate last quarter.

The Commerce Department's revised measure of growth in the nation's gross domestic product — the economy’s total output of goods and services — marked a deceleration from the second half of 2022.

Despite the first-quarter slowdown, consumer spending, which accounts for around 70% of America's economic output, rose at a healthy pace.

The steady weakening of economic growth is a consequence of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive drive to tame inflation, with 10 interest rate hikes over the past 14 months. Across the economy, the Fed’s rate increase have elevated the costs of auto loans, credit card borrowing and business loans.

With mortgage rates having doubled over the past year, the real estate market has already taken a beating: Investment in housing fell from January through March. In April, sales of existing homes were 23% below their level a year earlier.

Share:
More In Business
Stretching Your Dollar: The Great Wealth Transfer is Coming Soon
It's expected that boomers and their parents' generation will pass down $84.4 trillion in assets through 2045, according to Forbes. Paul Karger, co-founder and managing partner of financial firm TwinFocus, joined Cheddar News to discuss wealth transfer between parents and their children and when it's a good time for a conversation between them.
Stretching Your Dollar: How to Care for Your Pets on a Budget
Pets grow into beloved members of families and many do what they can to keep them happy and healthy. Marc Peralta, chief program officer of Best Friends Animal Society, joined Cheddar News to discuss finances and expenses when taking care of your furry family members.
Load More