Economy may not show growth until late 2009, economists say
The U.S. economy may show modest growth in the last quarter of 2009, some economists say. However, they note that unemployment will continue to climb, housing prices will continue to fall and consumer confidence will remain low throughout much of next year. Meanwhile, lawmakers are expected to pass a multi-billion economic stimulus package, and the Obama administration is expected to push for an increase in infrastructure spending. "If they do shovel-ready infrastructure, that can be spent pretty quickly," noted Brookings Institute fellow Alice Rivlin. "But it would be ill-advised to do too much of that." Christian Science Monitor, The (12/29)