Dow hits historic high on strong Q3 GDP

New York

AN unexpectedly strong report on economic growth pushed the Dow over 18,000 for the first time in its history, with the index reaching a high of 18,020.19 in early trading on Tuesday.

The final estimate of the US gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter was revised up to a 5 per cent annual pace, its quickest in 11 years, from 3.9 per cent reported last month, on stronger consumer and business spending, the government said.

The report easily topped expectations calling for a 4.3 per cent pace. "That is a solid number, tha…