The latest official figures indicated the economy expanded at an annual pace of 1.2% in the quarter, up from the previous estimate of 0.7%.

The change came after upward revisions to business and consumer spending.

The initial estimate had been seen as a blow to US President Donald Trump, who pledged in his election campaign to raise growth to 4%.

However, the revised figure still represents a slowdown from the growth rate of 2.1% recorded in the final quarter of 2016.