Real GDP grew at an annual rate of 1.6% in the second quarter amid an increase in imports and a decrease in private inventory investment, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce's new second estimate released today. The previous estimate had second-quarter growth at 2.4%.

U.S. real GDP grew 3.7% in the first quarter. Real GDP declined at a rate of 2.6% for full year 2009.

Staffing industry growth, with the exception of healthcare staffing, strongly correlates with growth in GDP, according to research from Staffing Industry Analysts. Staffing industry revenue tends to grow faster as GDP improves.