The initial estimate of GDP growth for the first quarter of 2016 was weaker than most economists expected, coming in at an anemic 0.5% annual rate, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Economic growth has been steadily softening since the second quarter of 2015, when it topped out at a 3.5% pace. Factors holding back growth at the start of 2016 include slowing personal consumption expenditures and falling exports.

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