US third quarter GDP grows at 3.4 percent rate beat expectations
The United States economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter of 2026, driven by consumer spending and business investment.
FTMQ News, written by our newsroom0 views
The United States economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter of 2026, the Guardian reported on Thursday. Gross domestic product increased at a 3.4 percent annualized rate during the quarter, according to an advance estimate released by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis. [1]
According to the Guardian, strong consumer spending and artificial intelligence investment offset the impact of elevated oil prices caused by conflict in the Middle East. Economists polled by Reuters had predicted a lower growth figure for the period. [1]
The economic expansion contrasts with public perception and Donald Trump's low approval ratings, the Guardian reported. The growth report arrives shortly before the 2026 midterm elections, where political campaigns are escalating. [1][3]
As FTMQ News reported earlier, strong global demand for semiconductors used in artificial intelligence also boosted South Korea's third quarter GDP, which grew by 1.0 percent compared to the previous quarter. [2]
In short
- US gross domestic product grew at a 3.4 percent annualized rate in the third quarter.
- Consumer spending and artificial intelligence investments drove the US economic growth.
- The official growth figures surpassed forecasts made by economists polled by Reuters.
Sources
Every paragraph above points to the numbered items it rests on. Read the originals here.
- [1]US economy grows faster than expected in report out just ahead of electionsThe Guardian, 2h ago (the report this story comes from)
Background
- [2]South Korea GDP grows 1 percent in third quarter on chip exports FTMQ News, 2d ago
- [3]Brian Pannebecker expected to speak at Michigan Trump rally on Sunday FTMQ News, 4d ago
Our newsroom writes these reports with the help of software, from the 3 sources listed and nothing else, and checks them against those sources. Facts can still be wrong or move on; the originals are the record. Spotted a mistake? Write to daniel@monsterkong.com.
Related from FTMQ News
Earlier reports of ours on the same people and subjects.
- South Korea GDP grows 1 percent in third quarter on chip exportsTop Stories, 2d ago
- China economy grows four point five percent in third quarter on strong exportsTop Stories, 10d ago
- Australia annual inflation rate rises to 4.3 percent in SeptemberTop Stories, 1d ago
- Meta shares rise as third quarter AI investments drive revenue growthTop Stories, 7d ago
- BNP Paribas beats forecast with net income of 3.46 billion eurosTop Stories, 1d ago
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