US GDP falls 0,2% and Bitcoin remains stable

• US GDP falls, reinforcing caution over interest rates
• Inflation persists and limits cuts, according to Fed data
• Bitcoin remains stable

The US economy recorded a slight annualized contraction of 0,2% in the first quarter of 2025, according to the second estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This revised performance reinforces signs of a slowdown in economic activity, amid persistent inflation.

Inflation-adjusted final sales fell 2,9%, reflecting a pullback in household spending, which grew just 1,2%. Purchases of goods fell, while the services sector remained relatively stable. Higher-priced imports due to tariffs reduced gross domestic product by nearly 1,5 percentage points, according to the report.

In parallel, Bitcoin showed a slight fluctuation of -0,4% after the data was released, but remained stable, demonstrating resilience even with signs of weakening in the American economy.

Os profits Corporate investment fell 3,6%, interrupting a two-year streak of continuous growth. Investment in equipment and structures remained virtually unchanged, suggesting that companies are adopting a more conservative approach to preserve cash.

In the labor market, initial jobless claims reached 240 in the week ended May 24, with continuing claims reaching 1,919 million. These data indicate a slowdown in hiring, although there is not yet a widespread wave of layoffs.

The GDP price index rose 3,7% and core personal consumption expenditures rose 3,4%, both well above the 2% target set by the Federal Reserve. This scenario of high inflation, even in the face of a decline in production, reduces the room for cuts in the basic interest rate in the short term.

Future expectations point to more moderate growth in the second quarter, with the Atlanta Fed model estimating a 2,2% expansion. However, that projection has been scaling back, raising the risk of a prolonged slowdown if layoffs intensify or consumer spending remains weak.