US economic growth likely slowed in third quarter
Source: AP-Excite
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. economic growth is likely languishing in the second half of 2013, held back by federal policies and a slowdown in hiring that has kept consumers from stepping up spending.
Economists are hopeful that the impact from Washington may soon ease, clearing the way for stronger growth next year.
Analysts forecast that the economy grew at a 2 percent annual rate in the July-September quarter, according to a survey by Factset. That would be down from an annual rate of 2.5 percent in the April-June period. Most economists expect growth will stay at the tepid 2 percent rate or weaken slightly in the October-December quarter.
The Commerce Department will release its first estimate for third-quarter growth at 8:30 a.m. EST Thursday. It was delayed one week because of the partial government shutdown.
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