Harsh winter weather?Government economists had previously estimated GDP slowed to a 0.1% growth rate in the first quarter as harsh winter weather disrupted work sites, curtailed foot traffic at retail stores and snarled transportation networks across much of the U.S.
Slower than expected inventory growth?The newly revised estimate incorporates additional economic data released in recent weeks. Higher-than-expected imports and slower-than-expected inventory growth dragged the economy into negative territory.
Perhaps we are in a recession?The three-month contraction isn't expected to herald a prolonged downturn, though it's rare for the economy to shrink outside of a recession.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/u-s-g...ter-1401366873