Overview
- The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported 4.3% annualized GDP growth for Q3 in a Dec. 23 first estimate, about one percentage point above the roughly 3.3% consensus after a two‑month shutdown delay.
- Growth was driven by consumer outlays, stronger exports and higher government spending, while business investment declined; household spending rose at a 3.5% annualized rate.
- The PCE price index accelerated to a 3.4% annualized pace from 2.0% in Q2, signaling firmer inflation pressures.
- President Trump claimed credit on Truth Social and highlighted tariffs that reduced imports, as economists described a resilient economy but flagged inflation and weaker investment.
- The figures follow a volatile first half (-0.6% in Q1, +3.8% in Q2), and the BEA noted that initial estimates are subject to revision as additional data come in.