Marketplace U.S. GDP sees healthy growth
Dec 23, 2025
Kristen Schwab, a consumer trends reporter, discusses surprising holiday spending trends, highlighting a rise despite economic pressures. Samantha Fields dives into the implications of the Affordable Care Act subsidy expiration, revealing how consumers are forced to seek alternatives. Meanwhile, Professor Benjamin Keyes shares alarming research on how climate risks are driving up homeowners insurance costs, lowering property values in vulnerable regions. Together, they unravel the complexities of today's economy and its quirky trends.
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Consumer Spending Drove Q3 Growth
- U.S. GDP grew an annualized 4.3% in Q3, driven mainly by consumer spending and private investment.
- Real final sales to private domestic purchasers rose 3%, revealing underlying domestic demand despite noisy trade swings.
Economy Is Splitting Between Groups
- Economic strength is uneven: higher-income households and some businesses are spending while others fall behind.
- This split shows robust aggregate spending can mask diverging income and employment trends across groups.
Don't Replace ACA Plans With Cheaper Options
- Avoid unregulated alternatives to ACA plans because they lack comprehensive protections and can expose you to huge medical bills.
- If you value coverage for pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits, stick with marketplace plans despite higher cost.