BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhuanet) -- The US economy grew at a pace of 2.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013, lower than previously expected, according to the US Commerce Department. The forecast was set at 2.8 percent, but the eventual result of 2.5 percent was stronger than the previous quarter’s 0.4 percent.

The Commerce Department also said that cuts in government spending offsetted private consumption and investment gains. Consumer spending surged at an annual rate of 3.2 percent - its biggest jump since the end of 2010.

Many economists say that growth will be slowing in the April-June quarter to an annual rate of just 2 percent. Most foresee growth remaining around that subpar level for the rest of the year.

(Source: CNTV.cn)