GDP grew at a 6.9% pace to close out 2021, stronger than expected despite omicron spread
Gross domestic product accelerated at a 6.9% annualized pace in the fourth quarter, well ahead of the 5.5% estimate.
Consumer activity and business spending led the gains, which propelled the U.S. economy to its strongest full year since 1984.
Jobless claims remained elevated at 260,000 while orders for long-lasting goods hit their lowest point since April 2020, signaling an end-of-year slowdown.