---
title: How 2012 shaped up
description: So exactly how did 2012 shape up? Here's what Money magazine's December 2011 issue said would happen -- and how the year turned out. THE…
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published: '2012-12-04T02:58:53.000Z'
modified: '2012-12-04T02:58:53.000Z'
section: Economy and Politics
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> **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/).

![Face of Poverty](https://img.money.com/2011/02/cedric_101.jpg)
*In the cattle camp of Bir-Diak, Rumbek North Country, Lakes State, cow dung is being burned to avoid insect bites to men and livestock.*

So exactly how did 2012 shape up?

Here's what Money magazine's December 2011 issue said would happen -- and how the year turned out.

### THE ECONOMY

**The outlook.** Don't expect a recession, but don't count on blistering growth either. GDP will rise just 2%.

**What happened.** A recession was averted, and the economic forecast was on target. GDP grew 2.1%.

### INVESTMENTS

**The outlook.** With profits growing briskly and interest rates at historic lows, stocks will post decent gains and beat bonds.

**What happened.** Earnings growth slowed, but stocks wound up posting spectacular returns of 14%, through the end of October, handily beating fixed income.

### REAL ESTATE

**The outlook.** The market will stabilize in most regions; prices will rise only 0.25% on average.

**What happened.** Most regions of the country did stabilize, though prices on average fell about 1%.

### CAREERS

**The outlook.** The unemployment rate will remain uncomfortably high at 8.5%, but the pace of hiring will pick up slightly.

**What happened.** The rate of monthly job creation was about the same. Yet unemployment sank to a better-than-expected 7.9%.

### SAVINGS AND CREDIT

**The outlook.** Savings accounts will pay next to nothing because the Fed is likely to keep short-term rates low until at least 2013.

**What happened.** Savings accounts paid near zilch, and the Fed now says it will keep rates low for even longer -- until mid 2015.

**[Make more in 2013:](http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/make-money/)**

[The economy: What to expect in 2013](http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/01/pf/economic-outlook-2013.moneymag/index.html)

[Investing: Where to make money in 2013](http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/01/investing/markets-outlook-2013.moneymag/index.html)

[Real estate: Find opportunity next year](http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/01/real_estate/housing-outlook-2013.moneymag/index.html)

[Jobs: Better chances to get ahead](http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/01/pf/jobs-outlook-2013.moneymag/index.html)

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