The U.S. economy experienced a slower-than-anticipated growth rate of 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, as per the Commerce Department's final estimate from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). This figure fell short of economists' expectations of 0.7% and was a downward revision from earlier estimates of 1.4% and 0.7%. Key drivers of this growth included increases in consumer spending and investment, though these were partially offset by declines in government spending and exports. The report's release was delayed by a government shutdown, which the BEA estimated reduced GDP growth by approximately 1 percentage point. Despite the slowdown, real final sales to private domestic purchasers rose by 1.8%.