Economics

GDP Shows U.S. Economy Is Steadier Than Thought

  • Business investment, solid consumer are good omens for growth
  • But Fed seen remaining patient as risks to outlook unchanged
U.S. GDP Growth Tops Expectations at 2.6% in Fourth Quarter
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The U.S. economy was steadier than thought at the end of last year, but it’s probably too soon to give it a clean bill of health for 2019.

That’s the main takeaway from the shutdown-delayed report Thursday on fourth-quarter gross domestic product, which cooled by less than expected to a 2.6 percent annualized gain thanks to surprisingly robust business investment and a stalwart consumer.