The economy grew at a 2.8 percent pace last quarter, as the recovery got off to a slower start than first thought.
The government’s new reading ongross domestic product wasn’t as strong as the 3.5 percent growth rate for the July-September period estimated just a month ago.
The main factors behind the downgrade: consumers didn’t spend as much, commercial construction was weaker and the nation’s trade deficit was more of a drag on growth. Businesses also trimmed more of their stockpiles, another restraining factor.