The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the economy grew 4.3 percent in the third quarter, which is the best showing in more than a year. The growth marks a sizable increase from the 3.3 percent increase in GDP registered in the second quarter of this year. Corporate profits decreased $45.5 billion this quarter, following a $59.3 billion increase in the previous quarter. According to the BEA, "The major contributors to the increase in real GDP in the third quarter were personal consumption expenditures (PCE), equipment and software, federal government spending, and residential fixed investment." This growth was unexpected and did not reflect the drag many were predicting would occur in the aftermath of the Hurricanes. Economic analysts had been estimating that economic growth would slow 1 - 1.5% over the next year. Associated Press: Economy Grows At Robust Pace Despite Storms (11.30.05)