Fannie Mae’s Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group’s recently released economic outlook for 2012 calls for growth to slow during the first of half of the year and trend higher through the second-half of the year. The group’s economists forecast growth of 2.3 percent for the year, with home sales up 3.5 percent from 2011. Due to improving labor market conditions and attitudes toward employment and future income, consumer sentiment has begun to move in a positive direction. Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae’s chief economist, said we’re entering 2012 with momentum, though he expects that momentum to slow during the beginning of the year. Duncan expects a year of moderate growth edging away from the 2011 threat of a double-dip recession. More here.