Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.4% in the third quarter of 2026 (July, August, and September), according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). In the second quarter, real GDP increased by 2.2%. The increase in third-quarter real GDP reflected increases in investment, consumer spending, and government spending, partly offset by a decrease in exports. Imports increased.