RJ and Makay

The U.S economy slowed in the first quarter, though economists remain hopeful that the setback is temporary. The Commerce Department announced Thursday that total output grew at 1.8 percent last quarter, after expanding at an annual rate of of 3.1 percent at the end of 2010. Most economists had pegged Q1 2011 growth at 2.0 percent.

A widening trade deficit, larger decreases in federal spending, and higher commodity prices all contributed to the to the lackluster growth.