- US GDP growth was reported at an annualized rate of 1.5% from April through June, which is below the 2.1% rate predicted by economists and lower than the previous quarter's growth.
- The Iran war, which intensified this month, has increased inflation and created challenges for consumers, businesses, and policymakers in planning ahead.
- Stellantis reported a net profit of €293 million in Q2 2026, a turnaround from a year-ago loss, but weak margins led to a significant drop in stock value.
- Despite a surge in adjusted operating income to €773 million, the result fell short of analyst estimates, causing the stock to fall more than 8% before recovering slightly.
- Citi analysts noted that the margins were very low and cautioned that the market would likely require sustained operational improvement for a more bullish outlook on the stock.
The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for the second quarter of 2023 was reported at 1.5%, significantly below the 2.1% forecast by economists and the previous quarter's performance. This slowdown is attributed to rising inflation concerns linked to the ongoing Iran war, which has disrupted economic stability.3
The Iran conflict has intensified inflationary pressures, complicating financial planning for consumers and businesses alike. As a result, the Bureau of Economic Analysis noted that the GDP growth rate fell from the previous quarter's 2.1%, indicating a worrying trend for the economy.

Analysts are closely monitoring these developments, as the inflation rate continues to rise, impacting consumer spending and business investments. The economic outlook remains uncertain, with many experts urging caution as the geopolitical situation evolves.
In summary, the 1.5% growth in Q2 reflects broader economic challenges, with the Iran war playing a significant role in shaping the current economic landscape, leaving many to question the sustainability of future growth.
“The US economy's growth rate of 1.5% from April to June is a decline from the previous quarter's 2.1%, indicating potential challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Stellantis reported a net profit of €293 million but faced stock declines due to weak margins and lower-than-expected adjusted operating income.”

