Official figures just out show the United States economy grew unexpectedly in the final quarter of 2011.
Previous readings had gross domestic product (GDP) growing by 2.8% and it had been expected to be revised even lower than that.
However it has, in fact, jumped to an annualised rate of 3% growth, boosted by fewer imports more exports and strong consumer spending.
The growth figures follow better jobs figures and surging corporate profits.
