Economic Outlook 2012

What will 2012 bring? We asked three noted economists to weigh in on the issues and forces likely to shape the business climate this year and give us their best predictions. We found surprising agreement on most issues, including the painful steps necessary to reduce the U.S. deficit. For now, the European crisis, a presidential election year and underwater homeowners will dictate much of the economic activity, they say, making 2012 a year of growth between 1 percent and 3 percent. As economist Don Grimes told us, "This modest growth is about the best we can count on."

Meet Our Experts

Dr. Frank Alcock is an economist and political scientist at New College of Florida, where he teaches world politics, international law and sustainable development. He was formerly an international policy analyst and economist at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Don Grimes is an economist at the University of Michigan. He lives in Sarasota and specializes in labor and employment. Grimes conducted a 2009-10 economic outlook study for Sarasota County.