The economy grew at a much slower pace than previously thought in the third quarter, restrained by weak business investment and a slightly more aggressive liquidation of inventories, data showed on Tuesday.
The Commerce Department's final estimate showed gross domestic product grew at a 2.2% annual rate instead of the 2.8% pace it reported last month. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast the report to show GDP, which measures total goods and services output within U.S. borders, unrevised at a 2.8% growth rate in the third quarter.
It was still the fastest pace since the third quarter of 2007 and ended four straight quarters of decline in output. The resumption of growth in the July-September period probably ended the most brutal recession since the 1930s.
Growth was boosted by government stimulus programs, including the popular cash for clunkers and tax credit for first-time home buyers, and debate continues to rage over the sustainability of the recovery once government support wanes.
U.S. financial markets were little moved by the report.
Data such as retail sales, business inventories and the trade balance strongly indicate the economic growth pace picked up speed in the fourth quarter.
Economists' forecasts for fourth-quarter GDP growth have ranged from 4.0 to 4.5%. Last week, the Federal Reserve gave a cautiously upbeat assessment of the economy and promised to hold overnight lending rates near zero for an "extended period" to aid the economic recovery.
Business spending in the third quarter was weaker than the government had estimated last month. Business investment fell at a 5.9% rate instead of 4.1%, the department said.
