Home Breadcrumb caret Economy Breadcrumb caret Economic Indicators U.S. productivity rebounds in Q1 Productivity growth more than doubled from Q4 2018 By Martin Crutsinger, The Associated Press | June 6, 2019 | Last updated on June 6, 2019 1 min read U.S. productivity grew at a strong 3.4% rate in the January-March quarter, the best showing in more than four years. It is an encouraging sign that productivity may finally be improving after a long stretch of weakness. The first quarter gain was more than double the 1.3% increase in the fourth quarter, although it was slightly lower than an initial estimate of 3.6% made a month ago. Labour costs fell during the first quarter, declining by 1.6% following a 0.4% drop in the fourth quarter. Productivity, the amount of output per hour of work, is a key factor determining an economy’s growth potential. If the current rebound continues, it would provide support for President Donald Trump’s efforts to achieve sustained 3% growth rates. Martin Crutsinger, The Associated Press Martin Crutsinger is a reporter with The Associated Press, an American not-for-profit news agency headquartered in New York City and founded in 1846. Save Stroke 1 Print Group 8 Share LI logo