U.S. economic growth slowed in the fourth quarter, the government confirmed on Thursday, and the loss of momentum appears to have persisted early this quarter amid cold temperatures and concerns that tariffs will hurt spending through higher prices.

The Commerce Department's second estimate of fourth quarter GDP which showed the economy grew 2.3% at the end of last year, in line with expectations and the prior estimate.

Canada's gross domestic product in the fourth quarter expanded by 2.6% on an annualized basis, surpassing widespread expectations, as a jump in consumer spending, business investments and exports lifted growth,