|

US economy clocks in another solid quarter – Commerzbank

The US economy grew by 2.8% in the third quarter of 2024, roughly in line with expectations. Private consumption and investment in equipment in particular increased. This continues the strong expansion of recent quarters. We see this as confirming our assessment that the US economy will not slide into a recession despite high key interest rates because overall financing conditions are still quite favorable, Commerzbank’s economists Dr. Christoph Balz and Bernd Weidensteiner note.

The US economy continues to grow strongly

“This applies in particular to private domestic final purchases (PDFP), i.e. gross domestic product excluding inventory investment, government spending and foreign trade. Federal Reserve Chairman Powell has emphasized this figure on several occasions because it provides a clearer signal of the trend in demand. In the third quarter, PDFP increased 3.2%.”

“This is one of a series of six quarters with fairly stable and strong growth between 2.5% and 3.5%. Although key interest rates are quite high, financing conditions in the overall economy remain favorable in view of record high equity prices and low risk premiums.”

“Today's figures confirm our assessment that the US economy should avoid a recession. That said, it is unlikely to be able to maintain the high pace of growth seen in recent quarters as the extremely high level of immigration, which also supported demand, is not likely to be repeated. Furthermore, the labor market is cooling on trend, which is why private consumption should lose momentum. However, a more accurate outlook for 2025 will only be possible after the election.”

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD moves sideways below 1.1800 on Christmas Eve

EUR/USD struggles to find direction and trades in a narrow channel below 1.1800 after posting gains for two consecutive days. Bond and stock markets in the US will open at the usual time and close early on Christmas Eve, allowing the trading action to remain subdued. 

GBP/USD keeps range around 1.3500 amid quiet markets

GBP/USD keeps its range trade intact at around 1.3500 on Wednesday. The Pound Sterling holds the upper hand over the US Dollar amid pre-Christmas light trading as traders move to the sidelines heading into the holiday season. 

Gold retreats from record highs, trades below $4,500

Gold retreats after setting a new record-high above $4,520 earlier in the day and trades in a tight range below $4,500 as trading volumes thin out ahead of the Christmas break. The US Dollar selling bias remains unabated on the back of dovish Fed expectations, which continues to act as a tailwind for the bullion amid persistent geopolitical risks.

Bitcoin slips below $87,000 as ETF outflows intensify, whale participation declines

Bitcoin price continues to trade around $86,770 on Wednesday, after failing to break above the $90,000 resistance. US-listed spot ETFs record an outflow of $188.64 million on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day of withdrawals.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Avalanche struggles near $12 as Grayscale files updated form for ETF

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.