The March report from the National Association for Business Economics forecasts more hiring, a lower unemployment rate, a lower inflation rate and more growth in consumer spending in 2015, compared to the group's forecast December 2014. Healthier consumer spending, housing investment and government spending growth are expected to make outsized contributions to the projected acceleration in overall economic activity. [...] recent labor market strength is expected to continue, John Silvia, the association's president and the chief economist at Wells Fargo, said in a statement. Other factors driving the improved forecast include an increased pace of activity in the housing sector, the strong dollar and continued low oil prices.