The surprisingly strong growth ‘reflected increases in consumer spending, exports and government spending’, according to officials. Key US politics stories from Tuesday 23 December

Strong consumer spending helps the US economy grow at a faster rate than expected.

The world's largest economy grew in the third quarter as consumer spending picked up, according to the latest GDP report.

Corporate profits helped drive growth, skyrocketing by more than $166 billion, up from a $6.8 billion increase during the previous quarter.

The surprisingly strong growth ‘reflected increases in consumer spending, exports and government spending’, according to officials. Key US politics stories from Tuesday 23 December