U.S. Economy Grows At Record Pace But Still Has A Long Way To Go

Signs in the window of a retail store offers discounts, and jobs, in Santa Monica, Calif. U.S. GDP grew at a record-setting rate, reflecting pent-up activity after the coronavirus lockdowns, but economists warn of trouble ahead.

Reed Saxon / Associated Press

The U.S. economy grew at a record pace during the last three months, according to the last major economic report before the election.

Not many people are popping champagne corks, though, because GDP also shrank at a record pace during the previous three months. Despite the strong rebound in July, August and September, the economy has not yet recovered from the damage done by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Commerce Department reported that the economy grew at an annualized pace of 33.1% in the third quarter, as businesses reopened following spring lockdowns and as people increased their shopping.