WASHINGTON (PNN) - July 29, 2010 - The U.S. Depression will continue into next year, held back by shoppers reluctant to spend and employers hesitant to hire, according to an Associated Press survey of leading economists.

The latest quarterly AP Economy Survey shows economists have turned gloomier in the past three months. They foresee weaker growth and higher unemployment than previously expected. As a result, the economists think the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates near zero until at least next spring.

The AP survey compiles forecasts of leading private, corporate and academic economists on a range of indicators, including employment, consumer spending and inflation.