America's economy grew in the third quarter at a revised 4.0% annual rate, up from the earlier estimate of 3.1%.

ECONOMIST: Overview

Indeed, a surge in export sales in June probably means that GDP growth for the most recent quarter will be revised up from 1.9% at an annualised rate, which is already respectable.

ECONOMIST: The world economy

Figures released on May 24th showed that America's economic expansion in the first three months of this year was marginally weaker than previously thought: GDP grew at an annual rate of 5.6%, revised from the first estimate of 5.8% (though the final figure, which could also be revised, will not be available for some time yet).

ECONOMIST: Fasten your seatbelts | The