The economy grew late last year at a pace that in normal times would suggest it's healthy.

The American economy may not be truly healthy yet, but it's healing.

The US economy picked up speed in the fourth quarter, fresh data showed, but it appeared to be still struggling to click into second gear as investment and consumer spending remained weak.

A weak year for the economy likely ended on a hopeful note.

The United States economy picked up speed at the end of 2011 as businesses substantially built up their inventories and consumers increased their spending.

The U.S. economy grew at a 2.8 percent annual rate in the final three months of last year, the fastest growth in 2011.

The US economy picked up speed in the fourth quarter, fresh data showed Friday, but it appeared to be still struggling to click into second gear as investment and consumer spending remained weak.

Businesses are growing more confident in the economy, investing in more equipment and laying off fewer workers.

Economy likely strengthened at end of last year; slowdown ahead, economists say.

The economy in the U.S. probably expanded in the fourth quarter at the fastest pace of 2011 as consumer spending picked up and companies rebuilt stockpiles, economists said before a report today.