The U.S. economy grew at a healthy 3. 4% annual pace from July through September, accelerating from the second quarter on strong consumer spending and investment in artificial intelligence.

The expansion in third-quarter gross domestic product - the nation's output of goods and services - was faster than the 2. 2% growth registered from April through June, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

Consumer spending rose at a brisk 3. 8% clip in the third quarter, and business investment was up sharply, reflecting the AI boom.