Real GDP grew at 2.8% in the third quarter of 2013, according to the advance estimate released today by the BEA.  This growth rate is very close to the long-run average growth rate for U.S. real GDP, which is 3%.  The graphic below plots quarterly GDP growth rates since 2003.

If this number holds up, it is the strongest growth the U.S. economy has had since the first quarter of 2012.  Keep in mind, this is the first estimate (also known as the advance estimate), and will be revised twice over the next two months.