US economy finished the year on strong note, but faces hurdles

World views

- By BEN CASSELMAN

Growth slowed but remained resilient at the end of 2024, leaving the US economy on solid footing heading into a new year and a new presidential administration that is full of uncertainty.

US gross domestic product, adjusted for inflation, grew at a 2.3 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter of last year, the Commerce Department reported Thursday. That was down from 3.1 percent in the third quarter but nonetheless represented an encouraging end to a year in which the economy again defied expectations.