Economic Growth - The U.S. economy expanded at a 3.8% annualized rate in the second quarter, marking the fastest growth in nearly two years, driven by robust consumer spending and solid business investment [1] - The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) raised its growth expectations for the U.S. to 1.8% in 2025, up from 1.6% in June, but forecasts for 2026 are projected at 1.5%, indicating a notable drop from 2.8% in 2024 [2] Consumer Spending - Consumer spending, which constitutes over two-thirds of economic activity, rose by 2.5% in the second quarter, revised up from a previous estimate of 1.6% [3] - In the last month, consumer spending increased by 0.6%, following a 0.5% gain in July [3] Household Wealth - Household wealth reached a record $176.3 trillion in the second quarter, although lower-income families face challenges from rising import-driven prices [4] Investment Trends - U.S. equity funds experienced a net inflow of $12.06 billion in the week ending September 24, reversing two weeks of outflows, with large-cap equity funds attracting $16.94 billion, the largest weekly inflow since April 9 [5] - Large-cap ETFs are recommended as a balanced investment strategy to capture growth potential while maintaining a defensive stance amid economic uncertainty [6] ETF Recommendations - Suggested large-cap ETFs include Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV), and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) [7] - Growth ETFs such as Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG), iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF), iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW), SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG), and iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) are also recommended for investors seeking higher growth potential [9]