Real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.6% in the fourth quarter, following a 0.8% gain in the third quarter. On a monthly basis, real GDP increased 0.3% in December. Household final consumption expenditure rose 0.5%, contributing to economic growth in the fourth quarter, while business gross fixed capital formation edged down 0.1% after a strong third quarter. Final domestic demand rose 0.4%, following a 0.7% increase. After two quarters of drawing down on inventories, businesses, mostly in retail and wholesale trade, added $8.0 billion to stocks. Household spending on durable, semi-durable and non-durable goods ... (full story)