U.S. 4th quarter GDP tumbles 6.2%

U.S. 4th quarter GDP tumbles 6.2%    U.S. economic output plunged 6.2 percent in the fourth quarter, the worst performance in 28 years, according to revised figures released Friday by the Commerce Department.
   The previous estimate based on preliminary figures was 3.8 percent.
   The decrease in real Gross Domestic Product reflected worsening of exports, consumer spending, and business investment.
   Real exports of goods and services decreased 23.6 percent in the fourth quarter, in contrast to a 3 percent increase in the third quarter. Real imports of goods and services decreased 16 percent, compared with a decrease of 3.5 percent in the third quarter.
   In the third quarter, real GDP declined 0.5 percent.