APRIL | 2013 — Kiplinger’s Latest Economic Outlooks
GDP — 1.75% growth in ’13, a bit softer than last year
Unemployment — Heading to about 7.5% by the end of ’13
Interest rates — Little or no increase in short-term rates in ’13
Inflation — Slightly higher this year, 2.3%
Business spending — About a 4% gain in ’13, half of ’12’s pace
Energy — Oil trading at $95-$100/barrel through Memorial Day
Housing sales — Existing homes up 7.5% in ’13, new ones more than 35%
Retail sales — About 4% growth in ’13; consumer spending slowdown
Trade deficit — Widening by 2% in ’13, after a slight dip in ’12