After the country’s second major rail disaster in a year, Spaniards were confronting questions about the safety of their once-vaunted rail system.

The Personal Consumption Expenditures index picked up in September, according to data released a day after the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady.

The economy grew 3.4 percent in the third quarter, the fastest pace in a year. Strong spending and growth contrast with the poor marks many voters are giving the economy.