U.S. economy slowed to standstill in 1Q

   The U.S. economy slowed dramatically in the first quarter to a growth rate of 0.1 percent, down from 2.6-percent growth in the fourth quarter of 2013, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.
   Much of the decline could be attributed to harsh winter storms experienced across the nation and economists expect productivity to pick up in the second quarter. 
   The government’s report is based on preliminary data and will be updated in 30 days when more complete information is available. Gross Domestic Product was the weakest since the first quarter of 2012.