Washington - The US gross domestic product (GDP) shrank by an annualised 6.3 per cent in the final quarter of 2008, worse than previously estimated, the Department of Commerce reported Thursday.

The report said the shrinkage - following on a 0.5 per cent dropoff in the third quarter - was greater than the previous estimate of 6.2 per cent.

The department report underscores the severity of the crisis in the world's biggest economy which gained momentum last year amid the turmoil on financial markets. (dpa)