After an outpouring of at least 11 different economic indicators in just two days’ time, here’s what we know now about the U.S. economy. First, the good news. The U.S. economy entered the fourth quarter with the most momentum it’s in some time. The revised 3.9% growth rate for the third quarter meant the U.S. has had its best six-month stretch of growth since the middle of 2003. Now, for a bit more pessimism. While the fourth quarter certainly isn’t looking bad, the early read is that it won’t be as strong. The most disappointing of the reports came from durable-goods orders. Though the headline index improved for ... (full story)