Delayed report shows U.S. economy grew between July and September

"A much-delayed report shows the U.S. economy grew a robust 4.3% between July and September, fueled by consumer spending. STEVE INSKEEP, HOST: In July through September, the U.S. economy grew faster than economists had predicted. LEILA FADEL, BYLINE: That's according to a delayed report from the Commerce Department on GDP, the gross domestic product. The report is nearly two months late because of the government shutdown."

"So the U.S. economy is chugging along. That was the takeaway. It grew at an annual rate of 4.3%, which is some of the fastest growth we've seen in a couple of years. You know, the GDP report takes a bird's-eye view of the economy. It's got exports, imports, business investment. But this time, two factors really gave it a boost. One of them was the term of the year, which is AI - people and companies spending on computer hardware and other techy things."

A Commerce Department report shows the U.S. economy grew at a 4.3% annualized rate between July and September. The report was nearly two months late because of a government shutdown. The GDP measure includes exports, imports, and business investment. Two main factors boosted growth: substantial consumer spending and increased business investment in AI-related computer hardware and technology. Consumer sentiment surveys from The Conference Board showed confidence fell for the fifth consecutive month, yet spending remained strong. An economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence summarized the dynamic: "Never bet against the American consumer."

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