Economy slows down, growing 2.4% in the third quarter

Portugal's economy grew by 2.4% year-on-year in the third quarter, reflecting a slowdown due to decreased investment and final consumption expenditures. The GDP growth rate decelerated by 0.2 percentage points compared to the previous quarter but increased by 0.3 percentage points compared to the same period last year. Internal demand's positive contribution to GDP variation diminished, coinciding with reduced investment and consumption. External demand showed a less negative contribution, as imports decreased more sharply than exports. Compared to the second quarter, GDP rose by 0.2%, down from a 0.9% increase previously, with internal demand remaining positive due to increased investment and modest private consumption growth.