U.S. GDP Grew by Only 0.5% in the First Quarter

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. economy inched forward at the weakest pace in two years from January through March, as consumer spending growth slowed, business investment plunged and exports declined further.

The gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic health, grew by a tiny 0.5 percent in the first quarter, the Commerce Department reported Thursday. That is down from 1.4 percent growth in the fourth quarter.