This Week in ESG and Impact Investing

The U.S. economy expanded in the fourth quarter of 2025 at a 1.4 % annualized rate , a notable deceleration from the 4.4 % pace in the third quarter . For the full year, real GDP rose 2.2 % in 2025 , down from 2.8 % in 2024 , according to the advance estimate from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). ( Bureau of Economic Analysis ) This slowdown has important implications for Black- and minority-owned firms — not just in the aggregate, but across industries and regions. Below, we unpack what the data suggest for owners, investors, and leaders in underrepresented business communities. 1. Consumer Spending & Services — Staying Power GDP Drivers: Consumer Spending Still Positive Services and consumer spending were key contributors to growth in Q4 2025. Particularly, health care and related services showed strong activity, driven by demand for outpatient and long-term care services. Minority Firm Implication Black and minority entrepreneurs are disproportionately represented i...

This week, at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference (CBC ALC) , we are proud to launch the  Black GDP Report — a groundbreaking analysis that quantifies the economic contributions of Black Americans to the U.S. economy. For decades, policymakers, investors, and business leaders have overlooked the measurable economic power of Black communities. By applying the proven framework of the Latino GDP model, this new report captures the size, scale, and trajectory of Black economic activity—shedding light on both its resilience and its untapped potential. Key Findings Black GDP (2023): $1.6 trillion, comparable to the Canadian economy. Black Purchasing Power: $1.8 trillion in 2023, driving growth in housing, retail, technology, and cultural industries. Entrepreneurship: Over 3.5 million Black-owned businesses employ 1.2 million people and generate $200 billion annually. Labor Market Role: Black workers make up 13% of the U.S. labor force, concent...