US Q4 GDP Growth Hits 1.4%, Missing 2.9% Forecast by Wide Margin

The US economy expanded at a disappointing annualized rate of just 1.4% during the fourth quarter of 2025. This figure fell significantly short of the 2.9% growth rate previously forecasted by economists, signaling a sharp deceleration in economic momentum. In response to the data, Nasdaq futures dropped by 0.5%, indicating a cautious start for equity markets. Futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones also trended lower as investors digested the weaker-than-expected expansion. Market participants are now weighing the impact of this slowdown on future corporate earnings and potential shifts in Federal Reserve policy. This major miss in GDP growth typically dampens investor sentiment and raises concerns about the sustainability of the current economic cycle.