And analysts believe third-quarter growth could be at a very skimpy rate of 1 percent or less.

Then there are inventories, which are expected to rise, adding to third-quarter growth.

The biggest change from the government's previous estimate of third-quarter growth had to do with inventories.

The ministry statement did not provide a percentage figure for the third-quarter growth.

The strong exports suggest that third-quarter economic growth will come in well above expectations.

The Commerce Department gives its preliminary estimate of third-quarter economic growth.

British third-quarter growth was the slowest for two years.

"If the auto industry performs as expected, our forecast of 3.8 percent third-quarter growth is probably conservative."

Investors were heartened by the report on third-quarter economic growth, which showed inflation in check.

Much of the third-quarter growth, however, came from the volatile pharmaceuticals sector.