US GDP Growth Revised Slightly Higher to 33.4%

The US economy expanded by an annualized 33.4% in Q3 2020, slightly higher than 33.1% in the second estimate. It is the biggest expansion ever, following a record 31.4% plunge in Q2, as the economy rebounds from the coronavirus pandemic. The upward revision primarily reflected larger increases in personal consumption expenditures and nonresidential fixed investment. However, GDP is still 3.5% below its pre-pandemic level and although coronavirus vaccination already started, the pandemic is far from controlled. The country is recording an average of around 200K new cases every day and states are tightening restrictions. Also, Congress only approved a new $892 billion aid package late in December. It includes $600 payments to most Americans, a $300-per-week unemployment benefit and $284 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program but excludes aid for states and local governments.
BEA | Joana Taborda | joana.taborda@tradingeconomics.com
12/22/2020 2:10:35 PM
Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity, surged at a record high of 41 percent (vs 40.6 percent in the second estimate), after a record 33.2 percent fall in the previous quarter. Personal spending was driven mainly by services (led by health care as well as food services and accommodations) and goods (led by clothing and footwear and motor vehicles and parts). Spending jumped slightly less than expected for durable goods (82.7 percent vs 82.9 percent in the second estimate) but rose faster for nondurables (31.1 percent vs 30.6 percent in the second estimate) and services (38 percent vs 37.6 percent in the second estimate).

Business investment growth was revised higher to 22.9 percent (vs 21.8 percent in the second estimate), due to intellectual property/software (8.4 percent vs 6 percent) and equipment (68.2 percent vs 66.6 percent), namely transport equipment while investment in structures (-17.4 percent vs -15.8 percent) fell more than anticipated. Residential investment was also revised higher to 63 percent rise, compared to 62.3 percent, primarily reflecting an increase in brokers’ commissions and other ownership transfer costs.

Inventories added 6.57 percentage points to growth, slightly higher than 6.55 percentage points in the second estimate. Private inventory investment primarily reflected an increase in retail trade (led by motor vehicle dealers).

Exports jumped 59.6 percent, less than 60.5 percent in the second estimate and were mainly boosted by sales of automotive vehicles, engines, and parts as well as capital goods. Imports increased 93.1 percent (the same as in the second estimate), making the contribution from net trade negative (-3.21 percentage pointsvs -3.18 percentage points). 

Federal government spending went down 6.2 percent, the same as in the second estimate.

US GDP Growth Revised Slightly Higher to 33.4%