U.S. economy grows 2.6% in Q2July 28, 2017 - 17:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. economy grew by 2.6% in the second quarter, according to Commerce Department figures, SkyNews reports. The growth was mainly put down to a recovery in consumer spending, following a slow performance during the winter. Consumer spending makes up more than two-thirds of the American economy and it grew at a rate of 2.8% during the second quarter, up from the 1.9% of the previous quarter. Despite this, the growth figure still fell short of the optimistic goals set by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had campaigned on a promise of tax cuts and regulatory relief which he hoped would boost growth to 4% or better but his economic programme has not moved forward in Congress. There are also fears that, as annual wage growth struggles to get above 2.5%, consumer spending will once again come under pressure. Business spending was up by 8.2% in the second quarter, the best result since the third quarter of 2015 and the third consecutive increase. Trade contributed 0.18% to the growth figure but housing contracted at 6.8%, its worst performance since the third quarter of 2010. Meanwhile, growth for the first quarter was revised down to 1.2% instead of the previously reported 1.4%. On news of the 2.6% growth, the dollar fell against a number of currencies but prices for U.S. government bonds were up. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |