The US economy expanded at an annualized rate of 3.1% in the first quarter, according to the latest Reuters report, outpacing expectations and marking its fastest pace in nearly two years. The result points to a stronger start to the year than many economists had predicted.

That compares with a 1.6% annualized increase in the final quarter of last year, suggesting a notable pickup in activity. The report did not include additional detail in the provided summary on which sectors drove the gain, but the headline figure indicates broad resilience in economic output.

The stronger reading may ease some concerns about a slowdown, though analysts will be watching upcoming data for signs of whether the pace can hold. For now, the first-quarter number offers a clearer sign that growth remained solid despite ongoing uncertainty in the broader economic outlook.