The U.S. economy expanded at a 3.5% rate in the third quarter, fueled by stronger government spending and exports. Many economists considered the report positive, though a slowdown in global growth could mean weakness in the coming months. Here is what economists are saying about Thursday’s GDP report: The rise of 3.5% “is a faster-than-average growth rate compared to the first five years of recovery from the Great Recession. However, the economy’s average growth rate of 2% for the first three quarters of 2014 is essentially right in line with previous recovery years—meaning that it is still too early to declare the ... (full story)