US economy grows at a sluggish 1.5% in second-quarter with inflation remaining stubbornly high

The United States economy expanded at a sluggish 1.5% pace from April through June, according to reports from Washington. The slower growth during the second quarter was weighed down by rising imports, though consumer spending continued.

At the same time, the Federal Reserve’s favored measure of inflation grew more slowly last month, though it remained stubbornly high.

These persistent higher costs have frustrated Americans ahead of the November midterm elections, which will determine whether President Donald Trump’s Republicans keep full control of Congress.