US GDP, Jobless Claims Data Mixed: Market Reacts with Volatility

Published: May 30, 2025 11:24

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[The US released the revised annualized quarter-on-quarter growth rate of real GDP for Q1 and the data on initial jobless claims for the week ending May 24] The revised GDP growth rate was -0.2%, better than the market expectation of -0.3% and slightly improved from the previous -0.3%, yet still indicating an economic contraction. The revised annualized quarter-on-quarter growth rate of the core PCE price index was 3.4%, lower than the expected 3.5% and the previous 3.5%, suggesting a slight easing of inflationary pressures. Initial jobless claims stood at 240,000, higher than the expected 230,000 and the previous 226,000 (after revision), indicating a short-term increase in pressure on the labour market. These data triggered an immediate market reaction, with the US dollar index falling in the short term, gold prices rising slightly, and market sentiment oscillating between optimism over easing inflation and concerns about weak employment.

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