The US economy slowed to its weakest growth rate in nearly two years during the last quarter, hit by a record trade deficit and slowing consumer spending. The annualised growth rate of 3.1 per cent in the fourth quarter was well below economists' forecasts of 3.5 per cent and down from a 4 per cent rate of growth in the third quarter. The weak figures, coupled with signs that inflation was picking up rapidly, dealt a blow ...