With every presidential election comes a spirit of renewal (at least for those who supported the winning candidate). We're emboldened to look ahead, to renew our faith in the future, to reaffirm our belief that despite the occasional stumble, economic expansion will continue indefinitely.

What's in store for the U.S. and global economy? To Walter Kemmsies, chief economist of engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol, the next few years will bring "the good, the bad and the ugly."

Doesn't it seem as though we are forever plunging into recession, then clawing our way back to recovery? In recent months we've seen hints that the U.S. economy is on the mend, with unemployment levels dropping. At the same time, consumer confidence is once again on the decline. It's a mixed bag by anyone's measure, but we've yet to return to pre-recession numbers in key sectors.