US economy growth slows at year’s end

During the last quarter of 2024, the growth of the United States economy slowed down, achieving an annualized rate of 2.3%, compared to the 3.1% seen in the previous quarter. This reduction happened even with strong consumer spending, which has consistently fueled economic activity.

Consumer Expenditure Continues to Be Robust

Las compras de los consumidores, un elemento vital del rendimiento económico del país, se mantuvieron firmes durante este tiempo. Las familias siguieron gastando en diferentes bienes y servicios, lo cual impactó positivamente en el desempeño económico general. Este gasto constante demuestra que los consumidores siguen teniendo confianza, incluso frente a posibles incertidumbres económicas.

Elementos que Contribuyen a la Desaceleración

Factors Contributing to the Slowdown

Several elements contributed to the moderated growth rate:

El mercado laboral ha demostrado ser resistente, con tasas de desempleo que se mantienen bajas. La generación de empleo ha proseguido, aunque a un ritmo más lento, lo que indica que las empresas mantienen un optimismo prudente sobre las futuras condiciones económicas. También se ha observado un aumento en los salarios, lo cual apoya el gasto de los consumidores, pero podría contribuir a la inflación si no se acompaña de aumentos en la productividad.

The labor market has shown resilience, with unemployment rates remaining low. Job creation has continued, albeit at a slower pace, indicating that businesses are cautiously optimistic about future economic conditions. Wage growth has also been observed, which supports consumer spending but may contribute to inflation if not matched by productivity gains.

Business Investment Trends

Business investments have exhibited mixed trends. While some sectors have increased capital expenditures, others have adopted a more conservative approach due to uncertainties related to policy changes and global economic conditions. The variability in investment strategies reflects the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by different industries.

El sector de la vivienda ha atravesado fluctuaciones, con el aumento de las tasas hipotecarias afectando la asequibilidad. Las ventas de viviendas han mostrado señales de enfriamiento y la actividad de construcción se ha moderado. Sin embargo, los precios de las viviendas han continuado altos en muchas áreas, lo que indica una demanda persistente a pesar de los desafíos.

Perspectivas para el Próximo Año

Outlook for the Coming Year

Looking ahead, economists anticipate that the U.S. economy will continue to face a complex landscape. While consumer spending is expected to remain a pillar of support, factors such as monetary policy decisions, global economic developments, and domestic fiscal policies will play crucial roles in shaping the trajectory of growth. Policymakers will need to balance efforts to manage inflation with strategies to sustain economic expansion.

By Jhon W. Bauer

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