VOA标准英语2010年-US Economy Grows by 3.2 Percent

President Barack Obama, accompanied by small business employers and employees, speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House, 30 Apr 2010

The U.S. economy grew in the first three months of this year, but more slowly than at the end of last year. President Barack Obama is encouraged by the news. 

U.S. consumer spending saw its biggest increase in three years in the first three months of 2010, which drove the country's overall economy to its third consecutive¹ quarter of growth.

However, the Commerce Department's estimate of 3.2-percent economic growth from January through March is weaker than the 5.6-percent growth from last October through December.

But President Obama says three consecutive quarters of growth are a good sign, after four straight quarters of shrinkage.

"After the single biggest economic crisis in our lifetimes, we are heading in the right direction," said President Obama. "We are moving forward.  Our economy is stronger.  That economic heartbeat is growing stronger."

The president says the first-quarter growth is "an important milepost" in the nation's economic recovery.  But he acknowledges that unemployment is still high at 9.7 percent, and after visiting the hard-hit Midwest this week, he says more work lies ahead.

"For millions of Americans, our friends, neighbors and fellow citizens ready and willing to get back to work, 'You are hired' is the only economic news they are waiting to hear," said Mr. Obama.

But Mr. Obama says the rebounding² economy will make more hiring possible.

"And that growth has been a condition for job growth," said the president. "The economy that was losing jobs a year ago is creating jobs today."

The Commerce Department report shows that Americans have been spending more lately on home furnishings, appliances, recreational goods, clothing, and meals at restaurants.

But analysts³ expect unemployment to stay high in the coming months, and an Associated Press poll says only 21 percent of Americans believe the economy is in good condition.
 

1 consecutive   

adj.连续的，联贯的，始终一贯的

参考例句：

• It has rained for four consecutive days.已连续下了四天雨。
• The policy of our Party is consecutive.我党的政策始终如一。

2 rebounding   

蹦跳运动

参考例句：

• The strength of negative temperature concrete is tested with supersonic-rebounding method. 本文将超声回弹综合法用于负温混凝土强度检测。
• The fundamental of basketball includes shooting, passing and catching, rebounding, etc. 篮球运动中最基本的东西包括投篮，传接球，篮板球等。

3 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。