US economic growth slows after sharp trade decline

Charlotte EdwardsBusiness reporterGetty ImagesEconomic growth in the US slowed at the end of last year, as trade declined more sharply than expected and the country was hit by hurricanes and labour strikes.The economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.3% between October and December, down from 3.1% in the three months before, according to the US Commerce Department.The pace, fuelled by solid growth in consumer…