gross domestic product

The federal government says GDP grew at a 2.2% rate in the first quarter, and many pundits are calling that number a disappointment: Here's a primer on exactly what the GDP growth rate is, and why 2.2% is nothing to be bummed about.

U.S. GDP increased a revised 2.5% in the third quarter, slightly better than expected, and above the initially estimated 2.0% rate, as stronger exports, investment, and spending boosted commercial activity in the world%u2019s largest economy.

Consumer outlays increased at the best pace in about four years -- providing some hope that the expansion can continue. The rise from the second-quarter rate of 1.7% was in line with economists' expectations. Soaring imports were a big drag on the growth report.

The federal deficit will amount to the equivalent of approximately 10% of U.S. gross domestic product for the fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, according to a Treasury official. That's about the same percentage as the previous fiscal year.

The final numbers on U.S. GDP growth for the second quarter are in, and they're a bit better than the previous revision's reading. GDP inched 1.7% higher in the second quarter, up from the earlier 1.6% estimate.

Credit card use plunged for the sixth straight month in July, with total consumer debt falling by $3.6 billion, or 1.75%, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced Wednesday.

Among Thursday's top online stories for investors: a great analysis of the country's GDP numbers, a look at how the stock market typically fares in September after a weak August, and which stocks benefit from increased foreclosures.

U.S. economic growth slowed to an anemic 1.6% pace in the second quarter, due primarily to a worsening trade imbalance. The sole ray of light in the Commerce Department's report was that the downward revision was not as severe as economists had expected.

Here's news from the business world and other money matters to watch out for Friday (last updated at 7:33 a.m. Eastern time): Gambling With Welfare Benefits: In the U.S., welfare payments are made electronically in the form of Electronic Benefits Transfer cards, which work similarly to debit...

Despite what so many pundits say, the most accurate economic predictor -- the yield curve -- says we're not heading for a double-dip recession. But don't celebrate too much: experts still see sluggish growth ahead.