Third-Quarter GDP Rate Again Revised Downward

The U.S. economy rose at a slower rate than previously reported in the third quarter, growing at a 1.8% annual pace, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

The third-quarter gross domestic product growth rate was first reported at 2.5% in October, then was revised down to 2% last month.

GDP rose at a 1.3% rate in the second quarter.

Economists had forecast the rate would hold at 2% growth, which had been the fastest in a year, Bloomberg reported.

Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of the economy, grew at a 1.7% rate, down from a previously reported 2.3% rate.

Thursday’s third-quarter GDP figure was the third and final of three released by Commerce.