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U.S. economic growth slowed in the fourth quarter to a 1.9% growth rate, where it has hovered throughout much of the sluggish recovery this cycle.
The slower quarter follows Q3’s brief boost in economic output that pushed GDP to a 3.5% growth rate, its fastest pace in more than two years. Since the crisis, the country has experienced some of its slowest economic growth, and last quarter’s slowdown is a marked return to the 2% growth rate that reflects anemic economic expansion.
President Donald Trump said he plans to push GDP up to 4% a year, a goal that is facing headwinds amidst Republicans' push for trade, tax and regulatory reform. [WSJ]
