The U.S. economy expanded at an annualized rate of 3.4% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. That compares with 2.2% growth in the preceding quarter.
Investment, consumer spending, and government spending contributed to the increase. Exports declined, while imports—which are subtracted in the GDP calculation—increased.
The annualized figure describes the pace of growth if the quarter’s rate continued for a year. The actual quarter-to-quarter increase was 0.8%. Keeping those two measures separate makes economic headlines easier to interpret.
This is an advance estimate, based on the information available at publication. Subsequent estimates can revise it, so check the release date and estimate stage before comparing figures.
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For general education. Consider your circumstances and local rules before making investment decisions. Figures describe the dates stated in this article and are not live market quotes.
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