USA Economy Slows Like My Neighbor's Donkey

• U.S. GDP growth slowed to 1.4% in Q4 2025, falling short of expectations due to government shutdown and reduced consumer spending.
• Inflation remains persistent, with core PCE index rising 3% in December, exceeding the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
• Economists anticipate a rebound in early 2026, citing the government shutdown as a one-off event.
• Despite the slowdown, underlying demand remains strong, indicated by a 2.4% increase in final sales to private domestic purchasers.

Great Success, or Not So Much?

Jagshemash, my name Borat. I am now journalist, very important job. I bring you news from United States, land of the free and home of the… well, you know. Recent reports say the U.S. economy, it slow down like my neighbor's donkey after too much fermented yak milk. GDP only grow 1.4%. Is this great success? Not so much, I think.

Government Shutdown: Great Job, Very Nice?

The government, it shut down. Like when I try to fix my car with only hammer and duct tape. Experts say this cause big problem for the economy, taking away about 1%. President Trump, he blame Democrats, like when I blame my neighbor for stealing my chickens (even though I ate them). But experts like Chris Rupkey say is just one-off, like my visit to fancy toilet in New York. Talking about New York, have you read TechnipFMC's Wild Ride: From Subsea Depths to Soaring Heights? It is very interesting, just like this economy news.

Inflation: Still a Problem, Like My Wife's Cooking

Inflation, it still high. Like my wife's cooking, you think it gone, but it come back to haunt you. Core PCE index, it rise 3%. This is problem for the Federal Reserve. They want inflation to be 2%, like when I want my teeth to be straight (but dentist say no). They cut interest rate, but not enough for President Trump, who call Fed chairman "Two Late" Powell. Very harsh, like when I criticize my neighbor's mustache.

Consumer Spending: Less Money for Mankinis?

People spend less money. Maybe they save up for new mankinis? Or maybe they just scared of the economy. Exports, they also go down. But underlying demand, it still strong. Like my love for Pamela Anderson, it never die. Another metric, final sales to private domestic purchasers, it increase 2.4%. Is good, but not great success, like my attempts at ice skating.

Bright Future, Maybe?

Experts say economy will bounce back in 2026. Like when I fall down, I always get back up (after checking for broken bones). Heather Long, chief economist, say U.S. economy was resilient despite the headwinds. The AI boom also help, like when I try to use computer for first time. Overall, is maybe bright future for America. But still, I worry about my neighbor stealing my chickens.

Wa Wa Wee Wa, Very Nice

So, in conclusion, economy slow down, but is not end of world. Like when I wear suit, I still look good (in my mind). We hope for better in 2026. Until then, I go back to Kazakhstan and drink fermented yak milk. Jagshemash.