WASHINGTON, Jan 18: The US economy should grow at a slower pace in 2006, by 3.3 per cent to 3.4 per cent, while unemployment continues to decline, White House economic adviser Al Hubbard said on Wednesday.

The US economy has been resilient in the face of high oil prices, but Hubbard, in an interview with Reuters, noted he was concerned about anything that would keep those prices elevated, including moves by OPEC to cut production.

“Obviously I’m concerned about anything that’s going to keep the price of oil where it is or increase the price of oil,” Hubbard said when asked about the Opec meeting later this month at which some members want to talk about cutting production.

“That’s why it’s important for us to get more energy independence, so we’re not vulnerable to ... decisions by Opec or the geopolitical risk.”—Reuters