The U.S. economy grew at the fastest pace in six years during the final three months of 2009, fueled by a huge inventory adjustment, strong business investments and modest consumer spending, the Commerce Department estimates.

The U.S. economy grew at the fastest pace in six years during the final three months of 2009, fueled by a huge inventory adjustment, strong business investments and modest consumer spending, the Commerce Department estimated Friday. U.S. real gross domestic product increased at a 5.6% annualized pace in the fourth quarter, revised down from the 5.9% pace reported a month ago.

Commerce Departments Bureau of Economic Analysis seasonally adjusted Gross Domestic Product data on a chain-weighted basis.

Commerce Departments Bureau of Economic Analysis seasonally adjusted Gross Domestic Product data on a chain-weighted basis.

Reaction was mixed because the bailout program rules out any immediate loans to Greece and exposes problems in Europe’s economic union.

Bank of America and other bank stocks rose Friday after the government unveiled a plan shrink home loans of some troubled borrowers.

US stocks opened higher on Friday after eurozone leaders agreed on the outlines of a deal to aid Greece and in spite of a downward revision to fourth quarter GDP.

After traders celebrated what was cynically dubbed Dow 10k 2.0 just 5.5 months ago, the Dow Industrials is now just a small hop away from regaining the 11,000 level. Once it reaches that level, the Dow will have rallied 68 percent from its March 2009 low.

Stocks rose on Friday after euro zone leaders agreed to create a safety net to help debt-burdened Greece, while data showed consumer sentiment rose slightly more than expected in March.

* EU leaders agree on safety net for Greece * GDP grows 5.6 pct in final Q4 reading * March consumer sentiment slightly better than expected