The US economy bounced back in the first quarter of 2026 Gas prices, on average, are elevated. Frederic J. BROWN / AFP via Getty Images Real GDP rose at an annualized rate of 2% in the first quarter of 2026, just short of the expected 2.2%. That's higher than the 0.5% rise in the fourth quarter of 2025. Other reports showed that the Iran war affected inflation in March, and that unemployment remained around 4%. The US started 2026 with a comeback. US real gross domestic product rose at an annualized rate of 2% in the first quarter, short of the 2.2% expected but above the 0.5% rise in the fourth quarter of 2025. Other data releases show how the economy was shaping up at the start of the year. The job market continued to fluctuate between job growth and job loss. The US added 178,000 jobs in March, largely driven by healthcare and leisure and hospitality. That comes after a 133,000 loss in February due to weather and a healthcare strike. Unemployment is still hovering around 4%.…