Economy posts sluggish growth in fourth quarter

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The economy expanded at a sluggish pace in the fourth quarter although a big gain in business investment and higher exports of services led the government to push up its previous estimate for growth.

U.S. risks persist, China in good stead so far: IMF

PUNTA DEL ESTE, Uruguay (Reuters) - A renewed drop in housing prices could thwart the U.S. economic recovery in the short term while Washington's lack of a "credible, comprehensive" fiscal plan poses a major medium-term risk, a top IMF official said.