The US economy is expected to grow 1.6% in 2012’s fourth quarter, according to The Capital Spectator’s average econometric nowcast. That’s up slightly from the previous 1.5% nowcast, published on December 17. The current outlook for 1.6% growth looks sluggish when compared with the 3.1% rise for Q3, as reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The official Q4 data is scheduled for release on January 30, when the BEA will publish its initial GDP estimate for the last three months of 2012. (GDP percentage changes are quoted as real seasonally adjusted annual rates.)