US Labor Productivity Rises 1.4% in Q2, Beating Forecasts
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Aug 5
US Labor Productivity Rises 1.4% in Q2, Beating Forecasts
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Aug 5
Summary
US nonfarm output per hour increased at a 1.4% annualized rate in the second quarter, topping nearly every economist estimate in a Bloomberg survey.
The gain followed an upwardly revised 0.8% increase in the first quarter, showing productivity accelerated as employers tried to offset higher costs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the data Thursday, adding to evidence that efficiency gains are helping firms manage cost pressures.
The stronger reading also feeds a broader debate over whether technology and AI-driven productivity gains can ease inflation pressures while reshaping the interest-rate outlook.