The U.S. economy expanded at a faster pace than economists expected in the second quarter, helped by steady consumer demand and higher business investment. The Commerce Department said gross domestic product grew at a 2.4% annualized rate, above the 1.8% forecast in a Reuters poll.

The stronger reading suggests the economy remained resilient despite tighter financial conditions and persistent uncertainty around inflation and borrowing costs. Consumer spending, which makes up the largest share of U.S. economic activity, continued to support growth, while business investment also added momentum.

The report offers a snapshot of an economy that is still expanding even as policymakers weigh whether further cooling is needed to bring inflation fully under control. Markets and analysts are likely to watch the next round of data closely for signs of whether that resilience can last through the second half of the year.

While the latest figures point to solid near-term growth, they also leave open questions about how long households and companies can sustain demand if interest rates stay elevated.