Another big econ jump

THE NATIONAL economy just enjoyed the best back-to-back quarters of growth since 2014, with the July-September boost of 3.2% sealing the upbeat deal.

The third-quarter figure, although slightly down from a predicted rise of 3.3%, followed a 3.1% gain between April-June, according to figures the Commerce Department released Thursday. The slight difference in the estimate and the actual figures was attributed to less spending by consumers, although there was an increase in spending by state and local governments.

The last time the country posted two straight quarters of growth that topped the 3% mark was in 2014, the midpoint of President Obama’s second term.

Several economists are already predicting the economy will again climb above 3% in the fourth quarter.