California the world’s fourth biggest economy? Not necessarily

California clout?
Politicians touted the state’s economy as being the sixth-largest in the world in 2015. In 2025, they’re telling us it’s No. 4. What they don’t mention is the high cost of living knocks it down a few notches.
How were the economic rankings compiled?
The California report cited newly released global data from the International Monetary Fund and state data from a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis preliminary report. The report shows California’s econo