Business Economists Forecast Modest Growth

Washington, DC, Dec. 17, 2012 -- Business economists believe the U.S. economy will grow modestly next year thanks mostly to strength in the housing sector.

The National Association for Business Economics has forecast growth of 2.1% for 2013 after 2.2% growth in 2012

The NABE economists believe unemployment will average 7.7% for all of next year, right at the current level.

The NABE panel is projecting accelerating GDP growth at an annual rate of 1.8% in the first quarter followed by rates of 2.4% in the April-June quarter, 2.6% in the third quarter and 3% in the fourth quarter next year.