Economists Upscale Growth Outlook Despite Weak Jobs

A recent survey by the National Association for Business Economics projected 2025 U.S. GDP growth near 1.8%, higher than prior estimates, even as job gains remain tepid. Business investment and AI-related capital spending were cited as support, while tariffs were seen to subtract from growth and push up costs. Inflation is expected to ease slowly, hitting 3.0% by year-end, then falling to 2.5% in 2026. Survey participants flagged vulnerability if labor conditions deteriorate.