the United States

Měiguó

美国

first quarter

yī jìdù

一季度

economy

jīngjì

经济

to grow / growth

zēngzhǎng

增长

2 percent

bǎifēnzhī èr

2%

，

consumers

xiāofèi zhě

消费者

spending / expenditure

zhīchū

支出

somewhat / to a certain degree

yǒusuǒ

有所

to slow down

fànghuǎn

放缓

。

New Words

News in English

US Economy Grows 2 Percent in First Quarter as Consumer Spending Slows

Data from the US Department of Commerce shows that GDP grew 2 percent in the first quarter of 2026, below the market forecast of 2.3 percent. Slowing consumer spending and rising prices were the main contributing factors.

Brazil announced a comprehensive economic reform package aimed at reducing government expenditure and improving fiscal sustainability. Finance Minister outlined plans to cut non-discretionary spending by 20 billion reais over the next fiscal year.

Key reforms include streamlining public administration, reducing bureaucratic overhead, and improving tax collection efficiency. The government plans to modernize social security programs while protecting vulnerable populations from budget cuts.

Central Bank maintained interest rates at current levels following inflation concerns. The Brazilian real strengthened following the announcement as markets responded positively to fiscal discipline measures.

The reform package received mixed reactions from opposition parties, with some supporting cost reduction while others worried about potential impacts on social programs. International credit rating agencies indicated the reforms could support improved sovereign credit ratings if successfully implemented.

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