
The 3rd quarter US GDP showed modest growth in key economic indicators. This growth is a welcome sign, especially considering the global economic uncertainty.
Personal consumption expenditures, a key driver of the US economy, increased by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. This is a significant boost to the economy.
The PCE price index, a measure of inflation, rose by 1.7% year-over-year. This is a moderate increase, which is good news for the economy.
The GDP price index, which measures the overall price level of goods and services, increased by 1.6% year-over-year. This is also a moderate increase, which suggests that inflation is under control.
For another approach, see: Us Economy Grew Much Faster than Expected in Second Quarter
US Economic Growth
US Economic Growth was a bit weaker than expected in the third quarter, but it's still growing healthily at an annualized rate of 2.8%. The economy is showing strength, especially in consumer spending, which grew at a strong 3.7% annualized rate.
Consumer spending was a highlight of the quarter, with personal consumption expenditures growing at a strong 3.7% annualized rate. This is a good sign for the economy.
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The presidential election is less than a week away, and the economy is top of mind for voters. The Federal Reserve is also set to announce its next interest-rate decision on November 7.
In the third quarter, US economic growth fell short of expectations but remained strong. The report comes just before next week's presidential election and Federal Reserve meeting.
The economy has generally been strong since recovering from the 2020 COVID-19 recession, and the new GDP reading adds to this. David Kelly, the chief global strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, said in a note that "in an economy that has averaged 2.1% growth since the start of this century", anything between 2.5% and 4% "shows a continuation of above-trend real growth."
Here are some key economic indicators from the third quarter:
- US real GDP grew at an annualized rate of 2.8%
- Consumer spending grew at a strong 3.7% annualized rate
- Investment in nonresidential equipment surged at an annualized rate of 11.1%
The weaker-than-expected GDP growth doesn't necessarily mean the US is heading toward a recession. There's still a lot of strength in the economy.
Economic Indicators
The US economy showed a 2.8% annualized growth rate in the third quarter, falling short of the forecasted 3.1% expansion. This growth rate is still considered healthy, as it's above the 2.1% average growth rate since the start of the century.
Consumer spending remains strong, growing at a 3.7% annualized rate, which is a highlight in the report. Layoffs remain low, and inflation-adjusted wage and income growth are back to their strong prepandemic trends.
The economy's strength is also reflected in the growth of nonresidential equipment, which surged at an annualized rate of 11.1% in the third quarter. However, investment in nonresidential structures fell at an annualized rate of 4% during the same period.
Here's a quick summary of the key economic indicators:
- GDP growth rate: 2.8%
- Consumer spending growth rate: 3.7%
- Nonresidential equipment growth rate: 11.1%
- Nonresidential structures growth rate: -4%
Consumer Spending Remains Strong
Consumer spending remains strong, with personal consumption expenditures growing at a strong 3.7% annualized rate in the third quarter. This is a highlight of the latest economic data.
The increase in real GDP primarily reflected increases in consumer spending, exports, and federal government spending. Consumer spending was a highlight, with personal consumption expenditures growing at a strong 3.7% annualized rate.
Consumer spending is a key driver of the economy, and it's good to see it remaining strong. Layoffs remain low, and inflation-adjusted wage and income growth are back to their strong prepandemic trends.
Here are some key statistics on consumer spending:
- Personal consumption expenditures grew at a strong 3.7% annualized rate in the third quarter.
- Real GDP rose at an annualized rate of 2.8% in the third quarter, with consumer spending being a key contributor.
- Layoffs remain low, and inflation-adjusted wage and income growth are back to their strong prepandemic trends.
This is a good sign for the economy, and it's likely to have a positive impact on businesses and investors.
Producer Price Index
The Producer Price Index is a key economic indicator that measures the change in selling prices received by domestic producers of goods and services. It's a crucial metric for businesses and policymakers to gauge inflation and market trends.
The index has shown a recent increase, with a +0.4% change in the latest data. This might not seem like a lot, but it's a significant indicator of the overall health of the economy.
To put this into perspective, here are the past few months' data:
- +0.4% (latest data)
- +3.0% (previous data)
This data can help businesses and investors make informed decisions about investments, pricing, and production levels.
ISM Manufacturing Index
The ISM Manufacturing Index is a crucial economic indicator that measures the health of the manufacturing sector. It's calculated based on a survey of purchasing managers in the industry.
A new order is a communication of an intention to buy for immediate or future delivery, which is a key component of the ISM Manufacturing Index.
Nondefense Capital Goods Orders Excluding Aircraft
Nondefense Capital Goods Orders Excluding Aircraft have been showing a positive trend. The latest data shows a 0.7% increase in this sector.
This is a welcome sign for the economy, as it indicates that businesses are investing in new equipment and technology.
Let's take a closer look at the numbers. Here are the latest statistics:
- +0.7% (latest increase)
- +0.3% (previous increase)
Business and Investment
In the 3rd quarter US GDP, business and investment sectors showed some growth. Nondefense capital goods orders excluding aircraft increased by 0.7%.
This indicates a positive trend in business spending on equipment and software. A 0.3% increase was also seen in nondefense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, further supporting this growth.
Looking at the numbers, we can see that business investment is on the rise.
Big Number

The U.S. economy is a massive $29.4 trillion, making it the largest in the world by GDP. This is according to current-dollar GDP, which takes into account changes in the dollar's value.
To put that number into perspective, China's economy, the next largest, is roughly $18 trillion. That's a significant difference, but it's worth noting that these numbers are subject to change over time.
The U.S. economy is a behemoth, and its size has a major impact on the global economy.
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Residential Housing Starts
Residential Housing Starts have been a bit of a mixed bag lately. The latest numbers show a decline in new residential housing starts.
Privately owned housing starts have decreased by 1.8% in the most recent data available. This is a significant drop, but let's take a closer look at the bigger picture.
New residential housing starts have also seen a decrease of 14.6% in the same period. This is a substantial decline that could have implications for the housing market.
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Sources
- https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/30/us-gdp-q3-2024.html
- https://www.businessinsider.com/gdp-gross-domestic-product-third-quarter-economy-2024-10
- https://www.americanactionforum.org/daily-dish/3rd-quarter-gdp-2/
- https://cepr.net/economy-grows-2-8-percent-in-third-quarter-led-by-consumption-and-equipment-investment/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2024/10/30/us-economy-grew-at-28-annual-rate-during-third-quarter-short-of-expectations/
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