U.S. real gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 3.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, according to an advance estimate released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Fourth-quarter growth compares to an increase of 2.6 percent in the third quarter and 1.7 percent in the second quarter. However, the Los Angeles Times reported that economists expected fourth-quarter growth of 3.5 percent.

The increase in fourth-quarter GDP came amid increases in personal spending, exports and nonresidential fixed investment.

Staffing industry growth -- with the exception of healthcare staffing -- correlates with growth in GDP, according to research from Staffing Industry Analysts. Staffing industry revenue tends to grow faster as GDP improves.