According to a new report from the Commerce Department, the economy at a rate of 2% in the third quarter. That is slightly higher than predicted. The economy grew by 2% in the first quarter and 1.3% in the second quarter. Analysts say that the number might fall if business and consumers remain cautious about the economy and the government. The growth number is countered against recent announcements of layoffs by some companies, which experts say is a sign of their uncertainty about the future.
See "U.S. Economy Grew at 2% Rate in 3rd Quarter", Nelson D. Schwartz, The New York Times, October 25, 2012