Gross domestic product in the US bounced back in the third quarter, reversing a trend over the first six months that suggested the country was heading for a recession.

The country’s GDP increased by 2.6% between July and September of this year, beating experts’ forecasts and reversing a steep decline of 0.6% in the previous quarter.

Much of the growth in the third quarter can be attributed to an increase in US exports, and a decrease in imports.

But economists remain pessimistic about the economy, with signs that consumer spending is beginning to grind to a halt.