. >> reporter: at this commercial glass factory in bensalem, pennsylvania, owner joshburg says the much-forecastion never happened you grew your workforce and grew your top line and bottom line numbers in a year we expected a recession? >> that's correct. as counter intuitive as that may seem >> work happening on factory floors like this one has kept the u.s. economy humming in fact economic growth last year was stronger than the average for the entire decade before the pandemic. the economy grew 3.3% in the final three months of 2023, for the year, a robust 2.5%. fueled by strong consumer spending and hiearing, smashing expectations >> continually throughout the year we have had strong growth, and in this case stronger growth than expected. >> reporter: president biden in superior, wisconsin. >> america now has the strongest growth, the lowest inflation rate of any major economy in the world. >> reporter: but polls show americans overwhelmingly disapprove of the president's handling of the economy. the ongoing effects of high inflation and the least-affordable housing market in a generation con

generation contributing to many not feeling the country's economic growth personally but back in bensalem, tempered enthusiasm from josh berg. what was 2023 in a letter grade. >> a minus >> reporter: a minus >> always room for improvement, bu a well-earned year fro everybody here >> and christine, as you know, the federal reserve meets next week so much riding on what they decide to do about interest rates. how does this news factor in >> you know, lester, we also got data on the fed's preferred gauge of inflation, and the numbers show inflation continues to come down that lends to the idea the fed is headed for interest rate cuts this year, and that's part of what has been fueling the stock market rally. >> christine, thanks much. >>> in 60 seconds, the execution of a convicted murderer using a first-of-its-kind technique to end his life the controversy, right after this >>> the stunning images coming in tonight from connecticut, an enormous steeple collapsing at a historic church in the city of new london, opening up a massive hole in the roof inside, covered in debris. one woman who wa

but back in bensalem, tempered enthusiasm from josh berg.t was 2023 in a letter grade. >> a minus. always room for improvement, but a well earned year from everybody here. >> and christine, as you know, the federal reserve meets next week. so much riding on what they decide to do about interest rates. how does this news factor in? >> you know, lester, we also got data today on the fed's preferred gauge of inflation, and the numbers there show inflation is continuing to come down. that lends support to the idea that the fed is headed for interest rate cuts this year, and that's part of what has been fueling the stock market rally. >> christine, thanks much. >>> in 60 seconds, the execution of a convicted murderer using a first-of-its-kind technique to end his life. the controversy, right after this. when my doctor gave me breztri for my copd things changed for me. breztri gave me better breathing, symptom improvement, and reduced flare-ups. breztri won't replace a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems. it is not for asthma. tell your d