Energy prices seen slowing U.S. economy

Energy prices are already having an impact on the U.S. economy and will contribute to slower U.S. growth in 2006, Gail Fosler, executive vice president and chief economist of the Conference Board, said on Tuesday.

One recent survey estimated that U.S. growth in 2005 was 3.6 percent. The initial report on fourth-quarter gross domestic product is due on Friday and is expected to show a decline from the 4.1 percent rate in the third quarter.