Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the primary measure used to evaluate the overall performance of the U.S. economy. Published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), GDP represents the total market value of all final goods and services produced within the country over a specific period, usually quarterly or annually. It serves as a key indicator of economic growth, stability, or contraction.
The BEA calculates GDP by combining four main components: consumer spending, private investment, government expenditures, and net exports (exports minus imports). Consumer spending typically accounts for the largest share, reflecting household demand and confidence. To provide clearer insight, GDP is reported in both nominal terms and real terms, with real GDP adjusted for inflation to show actual changes in economic output.
BEA GDP data is widely used by policymakers, businesses, and investors to guide decisions related to fiscal policy, interest rates, investment planning, and economic forecasting. Overall, GDP remains one of the most important tools for understanding the size, direction, and health of the U.S. economy.