U.S. Economy Set to Conclude 2025 with Strong 3% GDP Growth

2025-12-08 economy

Washington, D.C., Monday, 8 December 2025.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicts a 3% GDP growth for 2025, driven by strong consumer spending, despite challenges like the Schumer shutdown and media portrayal issues.

Economic Outlook for 2025

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has confidently projected a 3% GDP growth for 2025, attributing this positive outlook to robust consumer spending during the holiday season. Despite challenges such as the federal government shutdown, dubbed the ‘Schumer shutdown’, Bessent remains optimistic about the year-end economic performance. He emphasized that recent quarters have seen significant growth, with some reaching 4%, which sets a solid foundation for the year-end forecast [1][2][3].

Consumer Spending and Economic Recovery

Consumer spending is playing a pivotal role in driving the U.S. economy’s recovery. Bessent highlighted that the holiday season is expected to be particularly strong, with retail sales projected to rise by 5% compared to the previous year. This surge in consumer activity is a key indicator of increasing economic confidence among Americans, despite ongoing inflationary pressures [2][4].

Media Perception and Public Sentiment

Secretary Bessent expressed concerns over the media’s portrayal of the economy, suggesting that it might not fully reflect the underlying strengths and resilience. While the GDP figures paint a promising picture, public sentiment remains subdued, with many Americans perceiving economic conditions as challenging. This disconnect highlights the complex dynamics between economic data and public perception, influenced by media narratives and political discourse [1][5][6].

Policy Implications and Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the positive economic indicators are expected to influence fiscal policies and market strategies as 2026 approaches. Bessent and the Trump administration are focused on leveraging this growth to implement policies aimed at further stimulating the economy and addressing affordability issues. The administration’s stance on tariffs and consumer spending will be crucial in shaping economic strategies moving forward [7][8].

Sources

GDP growth holiday season