The U.S. economy contracted at a record 32.9% annual rate last quarter and weekly jobless claims rose to 1.43 million, amid signs of a slowing recovery.
The Commerce Department’s initial estimate of U.S. gross domestic product in the second quarter is the steepest drop in records dating to 1947. The decline came as states imposed lockdowns across the country to contain the coronavirus pandemic and then lifted restrictions. Economists expect the economy to resume growth in the third quarter, which began on July 1.