New Delhi, Dec. 29 -- The US economy surprised yet again by posting a strong growth in the third quarter of this year. Higher consumer spending, increased corporate investments in artificial intelligence, larger government defence spending, and higher exports, along with lower imports, fueled growth.

Mint looks at how the world's largest economy has defied expectations and stayed resilient in 2025 despite multiple challenges. Will this dream run continue in 2026?

Yes. According to data released by the Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, the US economy grew by 4.3% in the third quarter-the fastest pace in nearly two years. This is 130 basis points more than the 3% growth that experts had projected. In the second quarter, the US economy ...