Surprisingly strong U.S. Third Quarter GDP boosts stocks

The US economy was surprising strong in the third quarter, growing at 3.5% against market expectations of 3.0%.  The boost came from a £30 billion increase in defense spending which is the highest since 2008.  The narrower trade deficit also made a contribution as imports fell and exports rose despite  rising US dollar.  The US stock market rose 0.25% to 1,986.45, edging closer back up towards the record highs of September.