In September demand fell for durable goods such as autos and for nondurable goods, a retreat that partially reflected falling prices for gasoline. Economists believe September's downturn was temporary, as a strengthening job market pushes up spending and the overall economy in coming months. Since the recession ended in June 2009, spending has only fallen three times. The government reported Thursday that the overall economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, grew at an annual rate of 3.5 percent in the July-September quarter.