US economy continues to grow at robust rate days before presidential election

GDP rose by 2.8% in the third quarter, short of economists’ expectations of 3.1%, and driven primarily by consumer spending

The pace of US economic growth slowed over the summer but continued its two-year expansion, according to data released on Wednesday, days before millions of voters decide whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump is best placed to lead it forward.

US gross domestic product (GDP) – a broad measure of economic health – rose by 2.8% in the third quarter, short of economists’ expectations of 3.1%, and down from the previous quarter’s 3% reading. The increase was driven primarily by consumer spending, exports and federal government spending