US Economy: Q1 2026 GDP Revised Up, Current Account Deficit Widens, Direct Investment Positions Increase

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released several key economic statistics today. Real gross domestic product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2026 increased at an annual rate of 2.1 percent, a revision from the previous quarter's 0.5 percent growth. The U.S. current-account deficit widened by $5.8 billion, or 2.6 percent, to $226.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026. Additionally, the U.S. direct investment abroad position increased by $438.1 billion to $7.14 trillion at the end of 2025, primarily in Europe, while foreign direct investment in the United States increased by $266.0 billion to $5.86 trillion, also led by Europe.