# OECD and G7 economic growth trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/oecd-and-g7-economic-growth-trends > Updated: 2026-08-26T02:49:48.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2. In the second quarter of 2026, economic growth across OECD nations showed a slight acceleration to 0.5 percent, up from 0.4 percent in the first quarter. However, growth within G7 nations experienced a deceleration, falling from 0.4 percent to 0.3 percent. Specific G7 economies reported slowing growth rates, including Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In the United States, the second estimate from the Bureau of Economic Analysis confirmed that real GDP increased at an annual rate of 1.5 percent, down from 2.1 percent in the first quarter. This deceleration was partly attributed to a 12.5 percent annual rise in imports, which acted as a drag on domestic production calculations. These imports included a high volume of computer chips and other products supporting AI infrastructure. Additionally, government spending saw a downturn during this period. Despite the slower headline growth, US consumer spending remained a significant driver, increasing at a 3.4 percent annual clip, up from 0.5 percent in the previous quarter. Business investment also showed strength, particularly in artificial intelligence sectors, with non-housing business investment rising by 8.5 percent. Furthermore, the Atlanta Fed reported that businesses expect sales revenue to grow by 5.8 percent over the next four quarters, marking the fastest pace in over four years. Underlying economic strength was further noted by a 4.2 percent increase in real final sales to private domestic purchasers. Inflationary signals remained mixed. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index showed varying reports, with some indicating the annual rate remained at 3.7 percent while others noted a 5.3 percent increase. Core PCE rose by 3.6%. In July, inflation-adjusted consumer spending remained flat compared to the previous month. Other OECD members showed varying trends: Canada saw growth accelerate to 0.8 percent, while France returned to growth at 0.2 percent. ## Claims - The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Consumer spending increased at an annual rate of 3.4% during the second quarter. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Imports increased by 12.5% annually, which reduced the GDP growth rate. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Non-residential business investment grew by 8.5% in the second quarter. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Real final sales to private domestic purchasers increased by 4.2%. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index increased by 3.6%. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: US economy grows at 1.5% in second quarter The U.S. economy grew at a 1.5% annual rate in Q2 2026, slowing from Q1. Strong consumer spending (3.4%) and AI-driven business investment (8.5%) offset a rise in imports and lower government spending. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-gdp-growth-slows-to-15-percent-in-second-quarter-of-2026 ### 2026-08-24: OECD economic growth accelerates in Q2 2026 OECD economic growth accelerated to 0.5 percent in Q2 2026, though G7 economies saw a slowdown to 0.3 percent growth, with most major advanced economies reporting decelerating rates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oecd-economic-growth-accelerates-in-q2-2026 --- Cite as: OECD and G7 economic growth trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/oecd-and-g7-economic-growth-trends