With days to go before the midterms, data shows the U.S. economy is doing well

The U.S. economy grew 3.4% in the July to September quarter from a year earlier, a much faster pace of annual growth than in the second quarter. Consumer spending was one of the main drivers of growth — though many Americans continue to struggle with inflation.

GDP grew at an annual rate of 3.4% in the third quarter in the last major read on the economy ahead of the midterm elections — but many Americans continue to struggle with affordability.

(Image credit: Joe Raedle)