RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST: NPR's business news starts with more positive signs for the economy.</s>RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST: The U.S. economy is improving faster than previously predicted. This, according to two dozen economists surveyed by the Associated Press. The economists foresee stronger growth and more hiring than they did two months ago, and predict an unemployment rate at around eight percent by Election Day.</s>RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST: Good news for president Obama's re-election bid, but the economists give most the credit to consumers, who are spending more and saving less.
The U.S. economy is improving faster than previously predicted, according to two dozen economists surveyed by the Associated Press. The economists foresee stronger growth and more hiring than they did two months ago. They also predict an unemployment rate at around 8 percent by Election Day.