Economy

The U.S. Economy grew at a rate of 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to advance estimates released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The figure falls short of expectations and marks a deceleration from previous quarters.

The slowdown follows a rebound in economic growth during the second quarter of 2025, but analysts suggest underlying trends indicate a weakening economic landscape. The World Bank recently projected that the U.S. Growth rate will halve as tariffs continue to impact the global economy.

A significant contributing factor to the fourth quarter’s performance was the impact of a partial government shutdown. The shutdown, which occurred earlier in the quarter, disrupted government services and likely dampened economic activity.

For the entirety of 2025, the U.S. Economy grew by 2.2%, according to reports. This represents a moderation compared to prior years, and economists are closely watching for further signs of deceleration.

The economic slowdown is occurring against a backdrop of ongoing trade tensions. A report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) details the dynamic impacts of the 2025 trade war across U.S. States and the global economy. The CEPR analysis suggests that tariffs are contributing to the slowing growth rate.

Globally, economic headwinds are also apparent. Denmark recently revised its 2025 growth forecast downward, citing a slowdown in Novo Nordisk, a major pharmaceutical company. This highlights the interconnectedness of the global economy and the potential for slowdowns in one region to impact others.

The BEA’s advance estimate provides an initial assessment of economic activity. Revised estimates, incorporating more complete data, are scheduled to be released in the coming weeks.

Nathalie van Berkel has resigned from both her position as a member of the Dutch Parliament’s Tweede Kamer and as a candidate for State Secretary for Finance, following revelations of discrepancies in her curriculum vitae. The resignation, confirmed Tuesday afternoon, marks a significant setback for the incoming Jetten I Cabinet and the D66 party.

The controversy erupted after De Volkskrant reported that Van Berkel had claimed on LinkedIn to hold a master’s degree in public administration from Leiden University. However, she only completed a propedeuse – the first year of a bachelor’s degree – at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and did not proceed with the admission process for Leiden’s master’s program. Multiple iterations of her CV and LinkedIn profile had implied the completion of a university degree.

Van Berkel initially offered varying explanations when confronted by the media, subsequently updating her LinkedIn profile on three occasions. D66 acknowledged internal awareness of her incomplete studies, but the issue gained momentum, drawing criticism from opposition parties. JA21 leader Joost Eerdmans publicly called for her immediate resignation.

Incoming Prime Minister Rob Jetten emphasized the importance of credibility within the minority coalition government, where securing support for every law is crucial. “We saw today that some opposition parties raised concerns, and that can hinder an effective role as state secretary,” Jetten stated, according to reports.

Van Berkel announced her resignation as a member of the Tweede Kamer via a post on X, stating, “I have just informed the Speaker of the House that I am immediately resigning as a member of the Tweede Kamer.” She had previously withdrawn her candidacy for State Secretary earlier in the week.

The situation is further complicated by reports that Van Berkel also provided inaccurate information to the General Administrative Service (ABD) when joining the Executive Board of the UWV, according to De Telegraaf.

D66-Kamerlid Nathalie van Berkel’s resignation comes after just over three months in the role, having been elected to the Tweede Kamer in October of last year. She was initially presented as a prominent candidate for the party, but ultimately placed sixth on the candidate list by party members. Prior to her entry into national politics, she served on the board of directors at the UWV.

As of Wednesday, a replacement candidate for the position of State Secretary for Finance has not been announced. The incoming cabinet faces the challenge of maintaining stability and securing parliamentary support in the wake of this development.