U.S. real gross domestic product increased at an annual rate of 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter, according to a second estimate released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The second estimate is down from an advance estimate of 3.2 percent.

GDP rose 2.6 percent in the third quarter, 1.7 percent in the second quarter and 3.7 percent in the first quarter. Overall, GDP rose 2.8 percent in 2010, after having declined 2.6 percent in 2009.

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.