• Real GDP accelerated to 2.0% q-o-q saar from 1.3% in Q2 2012, on the back of stronger personal consumption and residential investment growth, as well as a jump in the government consumption component. • We expect subdued consumption growth ahead around 2.0%, with the expected fiscal contraction constituting the major drag. Further gains in employment should be pivotal to the outlook for personal income. • Real business fixed investment is on a downward trajectory, as increased global uncertainty and loss of business confidence weigh on business hiring and investment. • The US housing sector seems to be the bright spot in the recovery, with positive gains across both activity and prices.