S&P 500 Volatile After GDP Miss at 2.0% and Inflation Surge to 4.5% PCE

US Q1 2026 GDP grew 2.0% annualized, beating Q4 2025's 0.5% but missing 2.2% consensus, with real final sales to private purchasers up 2.5%. Inflation reaccelerated sharply to PCE 4.5% (from 2.9%) and core PCE 4.3% (from 2.7%), driven by oil prices and imports surging 21.4%, heightening Fed rate-hike fears and S&P 500 volatility. Evolving coverage highlights growth resilience initially, shifting to risk-off pressures, while latest previews eye strong next-quarter rebound above 3% with S&P 500 at new highs.