by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – The U.S. economy expanded at a stronger pace in the third quarter than initially reported, powered by solid consumer demand and a sharp rebound in exports.
According to new data released Jan. 22 by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, real gross domestic product rose at a 4.4 percent annual rate from July through September, a slight upward revision from the previous estimate. The adjustment reflected stronger exports and business investment, offsetting a modest downward revision in consumer spending.
Consumer spending grew 3.5 percent in the quarter, up from 2.5 percent in the prior period, while exports jumped 9.6 percent. Imports fell 4.4 percent, adding further support to overall growth. Corporate profits also strengthened, rising $175.6 billion, or 4.5 percent, from the previous quarter.
Looking ahead, growth expectations remain bullish. The Atlanta Federal Reserve GDPNow model projects a robust 5.4 percent expansion for the fourth quarter, even as the Federal Reserve signals a likely pause in rate cuts.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. could see 4 to 5 percent real growth in 2026, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick argued growth could be even higher if interest rates fall further.
Private economists are also growing more optimistic. Goldman Sachs forecasts above-consensus growth next year, though chief U.S. economist David Mericle cautioned that the labor market remains the key risk.
Labor data released the same day showed initial jobless claims holding near historic lows, while continuing claims declined for a second straight week. However, hiring momentum appears to be cooling, with payroll processor ADP reporting slower private-sector job gains late in the year.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
More Worthy News
Reverend Jesse Jackson, the influential civil rights campaigner and former presidential hopeful described by his family as “a servant leader,” has died at age 84.
Senate Republicans say they have enough support within their 53-member conference to pass the SAVE America Act, but overcoming a Democratic blockade may require reviving the rarely used “talking filibuster.”
The U.S. Departments of Energy and Defense have transported a small nuclear reactor by military cargo aircraft for the first time, marking a significant milestone in President Donald Trump’s push to expand advanced nuclear energy across the country.
President Donald Trump on Monday directed federal authorities to step in and coordinate cleanup efforts following what he called a “massive ecological disaster” in the Potomac River after a major sewer line collapse in Maryland.
A large Second Temple–era stone workshop that supplied Jerusalem’s Jewish population some 2,000 years ago has been uncovered on the eastern slopes of Mount Scopus, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Monday.
The United States has moved to replenish its stockpile of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-buster bombs, it was revealed this week, as tensions with Tehran remain elevated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday that Israel will not accept any arrangement allowing Hamas to retain weapons, warning that the terror group must fully disarm or face a renewed Israeli military campaign in Gaza.