Summary Box: Tax cuts boost economic expectations

BRIGHTER OUTLOOK: Expectations for economic growth in 2011 are turning more optimistic because the payroll tax cut will give American workers extra cash to spend.

STRONGER GROWTH, BUT: Analysts predict economic growth could come in close to 4 percent next year. Still, the unemployment rate is likely to stay high — hovering close to 9 percent.

MORE MOMENTUM: After a sharp slowdown in the spring, the economy rebounded at a moderate 2.6 percent pace last summer. The economy is expected to expand at a pace of 3.5 percent or better in the final three months of this year.