Gross domestic product grew 7.8 percent compared with the period a year ago, the government reported, resulting in a 6.7 percent expansion for 2003.

Experts believe the economy grew 2.4 percent, slightly lower than the initial estimate of a 2.6 percent expansion.

Its relatively meager 2.5 percent expansion last year retarded growth across the continent.

That is an increase from 6.6 percent expansion in the second quarter.

The plan now calls for a 50 percent expansion of the 30-acre lakefront campus, adding several athletic fields and a running track.

Earlier, many economists had forecast 2 or 3 percent expansion.

Some economists have raised their forecasts since the start of the year and now expect a 4 percent expansion for 1989.

Some analysts wonder whether earlier forecasts of 1 percent expansion this year should be lowered.

Wal-Mart executives said an 8 percent expansion in floor space was pivotal to plans to increase sales and profits.