After letting up on the accelerator late in 2014 and early 2015, the U.S. economy looks poised to resume faster growth for the remainder of the year, according to Standard&Poor's economists. A harsh winter in the Midwest and Northeast contributed to some softening in the housing market, which acted as a drag on broader economic performance. Despite the winter's chilling effects, however, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services earlier forecast of 1.2 million housing starts remains intact, and we continue to see housing as a key to economic growth this year. This is similar to the pattern we saw in 2014: a slow first quarter followed by faster growth in the second and third quarters. This time, the economy
