As the economic recovery approaches two-and-a-half years, accelerated growth is returning, and will continue into 2013 — according to the “Quarterly Economic Outlook — Planning for 3^rd Quarter 2012,”  from PMMI. According to the report, what’s supporting this growth and promoting investment in the U.S. economy are an overall rising trend in the S&P 500, low interest rates and a strong U.S. dollar.

Other factors include:

• U.S. Industrial Production is up 3.9 percent from the same period in 2011.
• Industrial Production during this last quarter increased 4.6% from the same time period in 2011, indicating continued expansion.
• Nondefense Capital Goods New Orders (excluding aircraft) are at a record high, currently 9.1 percent over 2011.
• Retail Sales (excluding automobiles) are up 2.3 percent over 2011, and growing at an accelerating rate.

The Quarterly Economic Outlook, produced by PMMI in partnership with ITR Economics, is available as a free download to members at PMMI.org.