Consumers drive growth as businesses hold back

(Reuters) - Economic growth accelerated in the third quarter as a last minute spurt in consumer spending and a surprise turnaround in government outlays offset the first cutback in business investment in more than a year.

Economic expansion in Q3 in US up 2%

A preliminary reading on U.S. gross domestic product showed the economy expanded at an annualized rate of 2% in the third quarter, up from 1.3% in the second quarter and slightly above estimates of 1.9%.- FoxBusiness

Retail up

US retail sales jumped 1.1% as consumers spent more on autos, gas and electronics - @AP

Service sector expanding at faster rate than thought

The Institute for Supply Management's gauge of service-sector activity rose to 55.1 in September from 53.7 in August, suggesting the sector is expanding at a faster rate. Economists expected a reading of 53.1.- FoxBusiness

Jobs added number higher than expected

The ADP National Employment Report shows the U.S. private sector added 162,000 jobs in September, topping estimates for an increase of 143,000. The increase in August payrolls was revised down to 189,000 from 201,000.- FoxBusiness

U.S. home prices rose 4.6% in August, biggest jump in six years

All but six states are experiencing the gains, with only 20 of 100 major cities showing price depreciation, according to CoreLogic. In July, 26 major metro areas experienced slumps. More in the LA Times