WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy slowed in the final three months of last year to an annual growth rate of 2.6%, the slowest pace since the beginning of 2018, as the government shutdown and other factors took a toll on growth. Economists believe growth has slowed even more in the current quarter.

Canadian gross domestic product grew at the fastest pace in five months on a lift from manufacturing, while oil made an unexpected contribution as prices began to fall for Alberta crude.

The U.S. economy remained on a solid footing in the third quarter, matching previously reported results, as stronger business investment and a bigger boost from inventories cushioned a trade drag that matched the worst since 1984.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy grew at a robust annual rate of 4.2% in the second quarter, the best performance in nearly four years, though economists believe growth has slowed in the current quarter partly because of a drag from trade

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve reported Sept. 12 that its latest survey of business conditions nationwide found rising concerns over the impact Trump administration trade policies could have on the economy.

Economists say the country is close to full employment, but pay gains for American workers have been flat since 2015. Even last week’s upward blip in wage growth could be wiped out by inflation. Yet Americans haven’t been this optimistic about future pay raises since the century began, according to the Conference Board’s monthly surveys.

WASHINGTON — Economists for trade associations representing manufacturing, construction and retail industries said during an industry conference here that they expect positive growth to continue for the remainder of 2018, with little chance of a downturn over the next year or so despite the threat of increasing trade tensions, rising interest rates and higher costs.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy grew at a strong 4.2% annual rate in the April-June quarter, the best showing in nearly four years, as growth stayed on track to produce its strongest gain in more than a decade. Strength in business investment offset slightly slower consumer spending.

The Federal Reserve described economic activity as “strong” in a statement Aug. 1, the first time it has done so since it called it “quite strong” in May 2006 — in the late stages of the last economic expansion, shortly before the housing market drove the economy into meltdown.

WASHINGTON — Spending on U.S. construction projects fell 1.1% in June, the biggest decline in more than a year as spending on public construction dropped at the highest rate in more than five years.