From NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Schiavone.Economic growth in the U.S. picked up the pace between July and September,boosted by both consumer and government spending. As NPR's James Rolly reportsthe 2% annual rate of growth was improvement over the second quarter,but still not what many economists would call robust.Economists had expected growth of about 1.8%,so the actual number is slightly higher than predicted.It also represents an increase over the second quarter when the economy grew just 1.3%and it suggests that the economy continues to improve modestly,though not at a rate to increase hiring significantly. Consumer spending rose to 2%.But exports fell and business investment in equipmentand software was flat which cut the growth rate down.This is the last report on growth before November 6th election. James Rolly, NPR News.Addressing supporters in Ames, Iowa today, GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romneycharged that the Obama Administration had fallen short on 2008 campaign promises.Where the jobs, where the 9 million more jobs thatPresident Obama promised his stimulus would have created by now.They are in China, Mexico, Canada, in countries thatmake themselves more attractive for entrepreneurs, and business and investment.Even as President Obama's policies have made it less attractive for them here.
