Method
Advance, second, third — three GDPs for one quarter
BEA does not publish one GDP number for a quarter and walk away. It publishes an advance estimate, then a second estimate, then a third. Each vintage revises the same quarter as more source data arrive. This guide points to the 2026:Q2 advance estimate in the GDP story.
Explainer Reviewed 08-21-2026
What it is for
Reading a headline without asking which vintage you are holding. The 1.5% real GDP figure on the 2026:Q2 story is the advance estimate, released 07-30-2026. If 08-26-2026 prints something else, the story’s kill-switch says to relabel or replace. You are not behind. The accounts moved.
What it cannot tell you
Which vintage will be right. A later print can move. This note does not forecast 08-26-2026. It does not blend vintages.
How to verify the object
The 2026:Q2 advance is the 07-30-2026 BEA GDP release. The second estimate is scheduled 08-26-2026, 8:30 a.m. EDT, on BEA’s GDP news page. Vintage = advance. Period = 2026:Q2 vs 2026:Q1, SAAR. Do not blend.