Could the U.S. economy hit 6% growth? A top commerce official recently floated the possibility under the right policy conditions—specifically, cutting interest rates. The pitch: lower rates unlock that 6% expansion potential.

But here's the reality check worth considering: during China's most aggressive central planning era, 6% was actually the peak performance benchmark. That single data point reshapes how we think about the 6% target—is it genuinely transformational for a mature economy, or just solid baseline growth by historical standards?

The gap between optimistic forecasts and historical precedent matters. When comparing growth trajectories across different economic systems and time periods, context is everything. Whether rate cuts can actually deliver those numbers will depend on execution and broader market conditions.