It’s a ‘sideways’ economy but not a recession yet, analysts say

Why Recessions Are Not about Declining GDP

A recession is defined by negative economic activity over several months with an accompanying decline in GDP. However, given the actual makeup of GDP, it is

It’s a ‘sideways’ economy but not a recession yet, analysts say

Louisiana's state flag. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)Performance indicators released Friday show Louisiana’s economy shrank by 1.7% over the first few months of 2025 and is moving in what one expert called a “sideways” direction marked by sluggish growth and contractions at both the state and national levels. However, it’s not yet in recession territory, analysts say.  New first-quarter data that became available last week showed the U.S. e…

Louisiana’s economy shrank in early 2025

The sectors performing the worst included oil and gas drilling, construction and finance and insurance.

Why economists say Louisiana’s economy is stalling

Louisiana’s economy shrank by 1.7% in the first quarter of 2025, posting the worst GDP performance in the Southeast, Louisiana Illuminator writes.  Despite the new federal data, economists say the state isn’t in a recession yet—but it’s not far off. National GDP also dipped for the first time since 2022, driven by weak consumer spending and lingering tariff-related disruptions. Sectors like minerals, construction, and finance were among Louisian…