The U.S. economy contracted in the 3rd quarter of 2008 according to the latest release by the U.S. Commerce Department. The final estimate report released today showed that the U.S. Gross Domestic Product equaled the previous estimate released in November and contracted at an annual rate of 0.5 percent in the July to September quarter. The second quarter GDP grew by a 8.2 percent annual rate of growth and the 1st quarter advanced by 0.9 percent. Today's GDP numbers matched economic forecasts expecting a contraction of 0.5 percent for the quarter. (more...)