The growth was twice as fast as economists expected, suggesting that consumer spending was recovering after a slow third quarter.
Indeed, recent sales figures have been coming in stronger than expected, suggesting that growth could be still higher.
On Friday, two economic reports, retail sales and producer prices, came in stronger than expected, suggesting that the economy was not slowing as much as feared.
Most who took up the challenge found it less difficult than they expected, suggesting the relationship they have with their devices is less addictive than compulsive.
Despite continued sales erosion, AT&T's overall results were better than expected, suggesting that it was beginning to win customers from troubled rivals like WorldCom.
A temperature in the upper 20's is expected, suggesting the advantage will belong to the team that can run the ball better.
Figures released last week showed that the economy contracted more slowly in the second quarter than many economists had expected, suggesting that the downturn might be bottoming out.
In a minor surprise, Mr. Muir found corrosion on the cars to be lighter than expected, suggesting that New York's thicker-skinned cars might last as long as 28 years.
The month-to-month falloff was twice as steep as executives surveyed before the Sept. 11 attacks expected, suggesting that Japan's economy is cooling off as fast as the United States economy is.
Wall Street welcomed a government report that wholesale prices declined more than expected, suggesting inflation remains well under control, and appeared unconcerned about news that the trade deficit had widened slightly.
[C2.] Speedy Deal Lifts AT&T Shares Shares of AT&T rose on the news that the company had incorporated Excite@Home into its operations more quickly than expected, suggesting a speedier move into high-speed Internet services.
