US economy grows at fastest pace in two years

The US economy picked up speed over the three months to September, as consumer spending jumped and exports increased.

The world's largest economy expanded at an annual rate of 4.3%, up from 3.8% in the previous quarter. That was better than expected, and marked the strongest growth in two years.

The figures offer a clearer picture of the state of the US economy heading into the end of the year, after data collection had been delayed by the US government shutdown.

The report showed consumer spending rising by 3.5%, compared with 2.5% in the previous quarter.