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WASHINGTON - PennZone -- Creative Investment Research (CIR) today released a new analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) second estimate of first-quarter 2026 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), finding that while the U.S. economy continues to expand, many Black- and minority-owned businesses remain challenged by slowing consumer spending, elevated inflation, and unequal access to emerging growth opportunities.

According to the BEA, real GDP grew at an annual rate of 1.6% during the first quarter of 2026, revised downward from the initial estimate of 2.0%. The revision reflected weaker consumer spending and lower inventory investment than previously reported. Corporate profits, however, continued to increase, highlighting a growing divergence between large corporations and smaller firms.

"America's economy is growing, but the benefits of that growth are not being shared equally," said William Michael Cunningham. "The most important economic question facing Black and minority-owned businesses today is not whether the economy is expanding. The question is who is allowed to participate in and benefit from that growth."

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The CIR analysis notes that consumer spending growth was revised downward to 1.4%, a significant concern for minority-owned businesses concentrated in retail, hospitality, transportation, construction, personal services, and healthcare sectors. These industries depend heavily on household spending and are often the first to feel the effects of economic slowing.

The report also identifies artificial intelligence-related investment as one of the strongest drivers of current economic growth.

At the same time, inflation remains elevated. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index increased 3.8% year-over-year in April, while core PCE inflation rose 3.3%. Higher costs for fuel, insurance, rent, and supplies continue to pressure minority-owned businesses already operating with thinner margins and more limited access to financing.

Among the report's key findings:

• GDP growth remains positive but slower than initially estimated.
• Corporate profits continue to rise faster than overall economic activity.
• AI-related investment is becoming a major source of economic expansion.
• Inflation continues to erode consumer purchasing power and business profitability.
• Minority-owned firms face ongoing barriers to capital, technology adoption, and participation in high-growth sectors.

"The AI investment boom presents one of the largest economic opportunities of this decade," Cunningham added. "The challenge for policymakers, corporations, and financial institutions is ensuring that minority-owned firms are participants in this growth cycle rather than spectators."

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The full analysis, Q1 2026 GDP Growth Slows, Inflation Remains Elevated: Implications for Black and Minority-Owned Businesses, is available at: https://www.impactinvesting.online/2026/05/q1-2026-gdp-growth-slows-inflation.html

Creative Investment Research
Washington, DC