The U.S. economy grew at an even faster than thought pace in the second quarter as consumers and businesses held up against tariff volatility.
Gross domestic product rose at a 3.3% annualized pace in the April-through-June period, the Commerce Department reported Thursday in its second estimate for the most encompassing measure of economic activity. The reading was better than an initial 3.0% estimate as well as the 3.1% Dow Jones consensus forecast.
Consumer spending helped push the number higher, rising by 1.6% compared to an initial 1.4% estimate.
Importantly, a measure called final sales to private domestic purchasers jumped 1.9%, up from the previous figure of 1.2%. Federal Reserve officials watch that metric closely as an indication of demand and sales that focuses on activity within U.S. borders, an especially important measure considering the uncertain impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The GDP number also reflected the unusual impact of the tariffs as they related to trade numbers.
