BALTIMORE (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Friday data showing the U.S. economy grew at a faster-than-expected 5.7 percent pace in the fourth quarter showed a "stark improvement" compared to economic decline a year ago.

"This morning we received a report that affirms our progress and the swift and aggressive actions that made it possible," he said, adding that job growth was lagging despite economic growth.

(Reporting by Steve Holland)