The White House highlighted U.S. economic growth at an annual rate of 3.4% in the third quarter of 2026, the fastest pace in a year, alongside increases in business investment and consumer spending. Growth over the first three quarters of 2026 reached 2.7%, exceeding the Blue Chip consensus forecast of 2.4% and the Congressional Budget Office projection of 2.2%. Business investment grew almost 13% in the third quarter, its strongest quarterly performance in nearly 15 years. Private investment in plants and equipment increased at a 9.4% rate, accelerating from the second quarter, while consumer spending grew 3.8%. Capital goods accounted for a record share of U.S. imports, while consumer goods represented 17% of goods imports, matching the lowest share on record.
White House highlights 3.4% annualized US economic growth in third quarter of 2026
The White House highlighted annualized U.S. economic growth of 3.4% in the third quarter of 2026, the strongest pace in a year. Business investment rose almost 13%, its strongest quarterly performance in nearly 15 years, while consumer spending increased 3.8%. Growth across the first three quarters reached 2.7%, above the Blue Chip consensus and Congressional Budget Office forecasts.