California now world's 5th largest economy, surpassing UK

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California has surpassed the United Kingdom to become the world's fifth largest economy.

Federal data released Friday show California's gross domestic product rose by $127 billion from 2016 to 2017, surpassing $2.7 trillion. The UK's economic output slightly shrunk over that time as it prepared to leave the European Union.

Economists at the state Department of Finance say all economic sectors except agriculture contributed to California's growth. Financial services and real estate led the pack, followed by the information sector, which includes technology companies.

RELATED: A look into Southern California's housing market in 2018

Housing is always a hot topic in Southern California, so real estate expert Tami Halton Pardee sat down with Eyewitness News for a look into what this year has in store for home buyers.

California last had the world's fifth largest economy in 2002 but fell as low as 10th in 2012 following the Great Recession. Since then, the largest U.S. state has added 2 million jobs and grown its GDP by $700 billion.