Hijjah 17, 1431 / Nov. 23, 2010, SPA -- The U.S. economy grew by 2.5 percent in the third quarter, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday. The department had previously reported that gross domestic product (GDP) rose 2.0 percent in the period from July to September. The increase was attributed to higher consumer spending, firms rebuilding inventory, stronger exports and more government outlays. Weaker imports also helped increase the figures.