Connecticut’s economy grows 2.1% in third quarter of 2019

Connecticut’s economy grew by 2.1% in the third quarter of 2019, according to data released Friday by the U.S. Department of Commerce, expanding faster than the prior quarter and ranking in the middle of the pack nationally.

The rate of growth in the July-to-September period put Connecticut at No. 25 among the 50 states.

Gov. Ned Lamont was cheered by the news, noting that economic expansion more than doubled from the 1% growth reported in the second quarter of 2019, when Connecticut ranked No. 47 nationally.

“Our improved economic performance in the third quarter of 2019 is more good news for Connecticut,” the governor said in a written statement. “I am determined to continue working with our business leaders to further drive inclusive growth through the coming years and create more job opportunities for the people of our state.”

The growth was spurred by gains in the manufacturing, trade, information and professional, scientific and technical services sectors, according to the federal data. A 0.71% gain in nondurable goods manufacturing ranked third nationally.

There were declines in the finance, construction, utilities and government sectors.

Growth in Connecticut was on par with the rest of New England, which expanded by 2.1% in the July-September period. Massachusetts (2.2%) and New Hampshire (2.2%) grew the fastest. Rhode Island’s expansion (1.6%) was the smallest.

The 2.1% growth in Connecticut also matched the national economy’s growth for the period.

The gross domestic product, the total value of all goods and services produced in Connecticut, was $287.6 billion in the quarter, the second largest in New England. Massachusetts’ economy, at $599 billion, was the largest.

Nationally, the economy in Texas had the largest expansion at 4% in the quarter. Delaware, where the economy remained unchanged from the previous quarter, ranked last among the states.

Russell Blair can be reached at rblair@courant.com.