Washington ? After a record four straight losing quarters, the economy finally grew again. It was hardly a boom, and it was almost all due to government spending. But it was enough to change the question from when the recession will end to whether the recovery will hold.

Unlike past rebounds that were driven by the spending of everyday Americans, this one appears to hinge on spending by businesses, foreigners and the government.

The economy grew at an annual rate of 3.5 percent from July through September, the government said Thursday. But the government help is only temporary, and without it, consumer spending is likely to weaken.