The U.S. economy grew 3.4% in the July to September quarter from a year earlier, a much faster pace of annual growth than in the second quarter. Consumer spending was one of the main drivers of growth — though many Americans continue to struggle with inflation. Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America hide caption

Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America

The U.S. economy grew faster in the summer compared to the spring, driven by consumer spending as well as investments in AI.

Gross domestic product, which broadly measures economic activity, grew at an annual rate of 3.4% July through September, according to a report from the Commerce Department released Thursday.…