Q1 GDP Forecasts: Around -7% SAAR

Note: The NY Fed Nowcast and Atlanta Fed GDPNow models are based on released data and aren't capturing the collapse in the economy in the 2nd half of March. All forecasts, including the Merrill Lynch and other forecasts, are for the seasonally adjust annual rate (SAAR) of decline.

From Merrill Lynch:

We are tracking a 7% decline in 1Q. [SAAR Apr 17 estimate]
emphasis added

From the NY Fed Nowcasting Report

The New York Fed Staff Nowcast stands at -0.4% for 2020:Q1 and -7.9% for 2020:Q2. [Apr 17 estimate]

And from the Altanta Fed: GDPNow

The GDPNow model estimate for real GDP growth (seasonally adjusted annual rate) in the first quarter of 2020 is -0.3 percent on April 16 … There are no subjective adjustments made to GDPNow—the estimate is based solely on the mathematical results of the model. In particular, it does not capture the impact of COVID-19 beyond its impact on GDP source data and relevant economic reports that have already been released. It does not anticipate the impact of COVID-19 on forthcoming economic reports beyond the standard internal dynamics of the model. [Apr 16 estimate]

CR Note: It appears GDP declined around 7% SAAR in Q1. The decline in Q2 will be much larger.