By Thomas Cooley and Peter Rupert
The BEA announced that GDP grew 3.0% the advance estimate for Q3 following a 3.1% rise in Q2. This was the strongest two-quarter increase since Q2-Q3 in 2014. The economy is rolling along despite the disruption from hurricanes and the uncertainty about future policies. Consumption expenditures remain strong, increasing 2.4% and durable goods increasing 8.3%. Investment in structures, both residential and non-residential, however, was quite weak, falling -6.0% and -5.2%, respectively. On the other hand equipment investment grew at 8.6% and intellectual property products at 4.3%.
As the affected areas rebuild from the hurricanes and wildfires the prospects are that economic activity will remain strong in the fourth quarter. The only worries are longer term concerns about the impact of policies originating in the Whitehouse. Bu they remain very uncertain as of now.
