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WSJ: Economists Predict Growth in 2011 - By PHIL IZZO

DECEMBER 13, 2010

Economists Predict Growth in 2011

By PHIL IZZO http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703727804576011521781546808.html

Economists have grown more optimistic about the outlook for U.S. growth next year, predicting the expansion will accelerate as 2011 progresses, according to the latest Wall Street Journal forecasting survey.

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See forecasts for growth, unemployment, housing and more. Plus, views on the Fed, Europe and more. Survey conducted Dec. 3-8. (Or download all data as .xls)

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The 55 respondents, not all of whom answer every question, raised their growth projections for gross domestic product for nearly every period, including the current quarter. On average, the economists now predict GDP will grow 2.6% in the current quarter at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, up from the 2.4% growth they projected in last month's survey. The economy grew 2.5% in the third quarter.

The economists now see stronger expansion in the first half of 2011, with growth picking up speed as the year progresses. For the year, they expect GDP will rise 3%. Meanwhile, they have reduced the odds of a double-dip recession to 15%, the lowest average forecast of the year, from 22% in September survey.

The majority of the respondents also say that there is a better chance the economy in 2011 will outperform their forecasts than that it will underperform. Thirty-five economists said the risks to their forecasts are more to the upside; 14 said the risk was to the downside…. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703727804576011521781546808.html

20101213 sdosm WSJ Economists Predict Growth in 2011

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