U.S. Economy Powers Ahead In First Quarter: 3.2% Growth
“The Commerce Department says the U.S. economy picked up steam in the first three months of the year, after a rocky finish to 2018. Gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 3.2% in the first quarter, up from 2.2% at the end of last year. That’s a significant turnaround from six weeks ago, when many analysts expected a slump in GDP growth to just 2% or less. A pickup in consumer spending contributed to the improved outlook. Retailers enjoyed strong sales gains in March after a lackluster February.”