Australia's economy recorded a growth rate of 1.3 percent in the June quarter, taking the nation's annual growth rate to 2.6 percent.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said on Wednesday the quarterly figure is above economists' earlier prediction of a 0.9 percent rise for the period.

ABS attributed the GDP growth to commercial investment in machinery, equipment and non-dwelling construction, as well as an increase in household final consumption expenditure.

Among industries, all areas of construction have registered high levels of activity in the latest quarter.

Prime Minister John Howard said the figures show a strong picture across the economy.

"This is quality growth because it comes off very strong business investment and that augurs well for very sound corporate balance sheets," he said.

Source: Xinhua