US economic growth slows to 1.5% in second quarter

• Published

Growth in the US slowed in the three months to June, according to official figures.

The Commerce Department said the US economy grew at an annual rate of 1.5% in the second quarter, down from 2.1% seen in the first three months of the year.

It comes as the world's largest economy continues to weather the financial impact of the war with Iran and US businesses navigate tariffs.

The growth figure was lower than analysts had estimated, with the downturn due to lower government spending, investment and exports. However, the economy received a boost from an increase in consumer spending.