How did the US economy fare in 2021?

The US economy had a mixed performance in 2021. It started off strong with a robust recovery from the pandemic-induced recession in 2020, but faced headwinds later in the year due to supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and rising inflation.

The gross domestic product (GDP), which is the value of goods and services produced in the US, grew at an annual rate of 5.7% in the third quarter of 2021, according to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. However, the growth rate slowed down from the second quarter's 6.7% pace, indicating a moderation in economic activity.

The labor market also showed signs of improvement, with the unemployment rate declining from 6.0% in March to 4.2% in November. However, many businesses reported difficulty in finding workers, which has led to wage increases and rising inflation.

In summary, while the US economy rebounded strongly from the pandemic-induced recession in 2020, it faced challenges in 2021 due to supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and inflationary pressures.