The financial crisis and the growing concern on a possible recession of the American economy led to the 0.3% economic decrease in the third quarter of the year, after a 2.9% advance in Q2.

The consumers' spending, generating two thirds of the economic growth, decreased 3.1%, the worst situation since Q2 in 1990.

The spending for short-term use goods also dropped severely, reaching the lowest level since 1950.

France Presse notes that this may be just the first sign for a deep recession.