Employers have made 18 million new hires since April 2020
Growth could surge to an 8% rate in the fourth quarter, some economists say
Crisis not as catastrophic as first feared thanks to fiscal supports
Big U.S. tech stocks continued to lure domestic investors
While growth slowed, the organization said, GDP topped pre-pandemic levels
Fitch Ratings sees savings glut supporting consumption amid rising prices
Petroleum demand has outstripped supply since early 2021
High prices aren't deterring consumers from spending
The shortage has forced auto producers to slow or halt production around the world
The rating agency sees conditions deteriorating as life, and spending habits, return to normal