With the 2nd quarter GDP advance coming in at 1.5% versus 2.1% expectations from Reuters economists in the rear view mirror, how did the Atlanta Fed model predict the quarter? On Tuesday, the final estimate came in at 1.5% - equal to the advanced release. Atlanta Fed economist deservedly take a bow. Well done.Now we are entering the 3Q and with the data dump today, the initial estimate is in. Please NOTE that the initial estimates do not have a lot of data, and therefore, are subject to large fluctuations. It is through the data over the next 3 months that will build the final estimate. In the Atlanta Fed's own words:The initial GDPNow model estimate for real GDP growth (seasonally adjusted annual rate) in the third quarter of 2026 is 5.0 percent on July 30. The first estimate of second-quarter real GDP growth released by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis was 1.5 percent, same as the final GDPNow nowcast after rounding.The next GDPNow update is Monday, August 3. Please see the "Release Dates" tab below for a list of upcoming releases. This article was written by Greg Michalowski at investinglive.com.