GDP report: U.S. economy grew at 1.7% rate in 2nd quarter

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The United States economy grew slightly faster than initially reported in the second quarter, but was still too weak to signal any major improvement in the job market ahead.

Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the nation's economic health, grew at an annual rate of 1.7% from April to June, the Commerce Department said Wednesday, slightly higher than the 1.5% rate originally reported, and in line with economists' expectations.

Exports were stronger than initially reported during those months, boosting the overall number slightly. Meanwhile, consumer spending -- which accounts for roughly two-thirds of the U.S. economy -- grew at a very weak pace.

While the upward revision was slightly encouraging, the economy was still slower in the second quarter than the first three months of the year, when growth was 2%.

At those levels, the recovery is still far too weak to signal a robust pickup in hiring any time soon.

Economists often say U.S. GDP needs to grow around 3% a year to bring the unemployment rate down significantly. The unemployment rate currently stands at 8.3%.