WASHINGTON
The U.S. economy is emerging from hibernation after a bleak winter.
Growth appears to be picking up as the weather improves, and economists think the government on Friday will report a solid hiring gain in April exceeding 200,000 jobs.
All told, the positive news has led most economists to forecast a strong rebound in economic growth — to a 3.5 percent annual rate in the current April-June quarter. And growth should reach nearly 3 percent for the full year, up from 1.9 percent in 2013, they expect.
That would likely fuel more job growth. Economists predict that employers added a sizable 210,000 jobs last month.
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits has reached roughly prerecession levels. That suggests that layoffs remain low.
Even the slumping housing market has reported some good news this week. Signed contracts to buy existing homes rose in March for the first time in nine months. That holds out the hope of higher sales in the months ahead.
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