Summary Box: Economy gains speed at year end

MOMENTUM GROWS: The economy gained speed at the end of last year — led by consumers who boosted their spending at the fastest pace since 2006.

BIGGER ROLE: Since the recession ended in June 2009, consumers have spent cautiously and provided little support to the economy. That changed at the end of last year. The pickup is raising hopes that consumers will play a bigger role in driving the economy to stronger growth this year.

SOUNDS GOOD, BUT: Consumers probably won't be spending enough to prompt businesses to crank up hiring and quickly drive down unemployment.