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Financial Timesglobal

US growth falls sharply to 1.4% annualised rate in fourth quarter

Financial Times
Friday, February 20, 2026 at 3:40 PM
~4 min read
Monetary Policy

Original Report

Figure hit by drop in government spending during federal shutdown is far below analysts’ expectations

Glass House Analysis

Central bank policy decisions made in boardrooms cascade through the economy in ways that touch everyone. A quarter-point rate change might seem abstract, but it determines whether young families can afford homes, whether businesses can afford to hire, and whether retirees see meaningful returns on their savings. The tension between fighting inflation and maintaining employment represents a fundamental tradeoff in economic policy—one that invariably creates winners and losers.

The implications extend beyond the immediate news cycle. Every economic development creates ripples that affect employment, prices, and opportunities in ways that may not be immediately visible but are deeply felt. By tracking these connections, we can better understand how the economy truly works—not as an abstract machine, but as a human system shaped by and shaping the lives of millions.

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