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Gross domestic product is important because itgives information about the size of the economy and how an economy is performing. The growth rate of real GDP is often used as an indicator of the general health of the economy. In broad terms, an increase in real GDP is interpreted as a sign that the economy is doing well.Most economists, politicians and businesses like to see GDP rising steadily because rising GDP usually means people spend more, more jobs are created, more tax is paid and workers get better pay rises. Here are some examples:

• Output: The total value of the goods and services produced by all sectors of the economy - agriculture, manufacturing, energy, construction, the service sector and government
• Expenditure:The value of goods and services bought by households and by government, investment in machinery and buildings - this also includes the value of exports, minus imports
• Income: The value of the income generated, mostly in terms of profits and wages.

The nation's economy ended 2022 on a strong note, growing 2.9% annually in the fourth quarter, above estimates and despite the drag of higher interest rates. Economists had forecast a gain of 2.8%, following the third quarter's 3.2% increase. The report comes as many economists predict a recession later this year. The increase was driven by a rise in inventories, consumer and government spending, and business investment. While the economy held its own in the fourth quarter, other economic reports have captured a slowdown in activity, notably in housing, retail and manufacturing. And even as the labor market has continued on a strong streak, with unemployment at a historically low level of 3.5%, some large companies such as Microsoft and IBM have announced layoffs. Meanwhile, state unemployment rates have been on the rise. Markets are in a tug of war with the Fed, with both stocks and bonds rallying of late in expectation that inflation will recede faster than the central bank currently expects and force it to halt its tightening of monetary policy sooner than planned. But the GDP report, while positive for the economy, could embolden the Fed as it suggests the economy still has some strength.