A second credit rating agency has cast doubt on the United States' potential for economic growth, at least in the short term, saying prospects for a substantial recovery aren't likely.

Moody's Analytics has lowered its growth expectations for the US to about 2 percent for the second half of 2011, citing the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March and the debt crisis in the U.S. and Europe.

The ratings agency said a 2% gross domestic product growth is not sufficient to lower unemployment, which is currently at 9.1%.

Next year, Moody's says it believes GDP growth will be about 3% or just enough to keep the jobless rate stable. The economy and jobs are shaping up to be the primary issues in the 2012 election.

In its assessment, Moody's went on to say the odds of a US recovery that lowers unemployment have diminished substantially.

It said “If stock prices continue to fall, the odds of a double dip recession will greatly increase.”

(Sourced from 2010 Newsroom America)