U.S. economic growth slows to 1.9% in the third quarter

Despite the slowdown this year, the S&P 500 reached a new high earlier this week, while consumer confidence remains strong.

The report is the last major piece of economic data that will be studied by the Federal Reserve before its latest policy meeting concludes later today. The U.S. central bank is widely expected to announce its third interest rate cut of the year.

“This report takes on elevated significance because it will be the last significant economic data the FOMC will see before concluding its meeting on Wednesday afternoon,” Deutsche Bank senior U.S. economist Brett Ryan wrote in a research note. “While the Fed is widely expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points, these data could impact the tone of the post-meeting statement and Fed Chair Powell’s press conference.”

This is a developing story.