Apr 26, 2019

U.S. economy grows 3.2% in first quarter, smashing expectations

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Data: Bureau of Economic Analysis; Chart: Chris Canipe/Axios

The U.S. economy grew at a 3.2% annualized rate in the first quarter of the year — a faster pace than the previous quarter's 2.2% and significantly more than the 2.1% economists were expecting, the Commerce Department said on Friday, thanks to strong exports and consumer spending.

Why it matters: Concerns about a U.S. economic slowdown have subsided, given the bounce back in recent economic indicators. This blowout GDP report — though subject to revision — shows that the economic cycle might have more room to run, putting the Federal Reserve, which has backed off on raising rates, in a tough spot.

What to watch: Economists say the underlying data points that fueled growth in the first quarter may fade later in the year.

Go deeper: Global economic whiplash

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Orion Rummler

7 hours ago - Health

15 states broke single-day coronavirus records this week

Data: Compiled from state health departments by Axios; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

At least 15 states broke their single-day novel coronavirus infection records this week, according to state health department data reviewed by Axios.

The big picture: The number of coronavirus cases increased in the vast majority of states over the last week, and decreased in only two states plus the District of Columbia, Axios' Andrew Withershoop and Caitlin Owens report.

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Axios

Updated 8 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 11,143,945 — Total deaths: 527,681 — Total recoveries — 6,004,593 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 2,818,588 — Total deaths: 129,584 — Total recoveries: 883,561 — Total tested: 34,213,497 — Map.
States: Photos of America's pandemic July 4 — ICU beds in Arizona's hot spot reach near capacity.
Public health: U.S. coronavirus infections hit record highs for 3 straight days.
Politics: Trump extends PPP application deadline — Kimberly Guilfoyle tests positive.
World: Mexican leaders call for tighter border control as infections rise in U.S.
Sports: 31 MLB players test positive as workouts resume.
1 📽 thing: Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback.

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Rashaan Ayesh

8 hours ago - Health

In photos: America celebrates July 4 during global pandemic

Photo: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

The U.S. has already celebrated Easter, graduations and so much more during the coronavirus pandemic, and now it can add July 4 to the list.

The state of play: Axios' Stef Kight writes public parades and fireworks displays around much of the country are being canceled to prevent mass gatherings where the virus could spread. Hot-dog contests and concerts will play to empty stands and virtual audiences — all while American pride treads an all-time low.