Holding Steady (Capital Market Research) (Weekly Market Outlook

The U.S. economy is performing well, and near-term prospects are good, as the economy remains resilient. U.S. economic growth slowed in the fourth quarter, though only modestly. Real GDP declined from a clearly unsustainable 4.9% in the third quarter to a still unlikely to be sustained 3.2% in the fourth quarter, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ second estimate. Consumer spending was the largest contributor as substantial third-quarter support from inventories became a drag. Trade grew as a support, government spending contributed, and fixed investment grew only modestly. The saving rate dropped to 3.9% from 4.3% in the third quarter but remained above its 2022 lows.