We’re halfway through 2012, which means it’s that time of year when economists and investors like to take stock of the overall health of the economy.

We may be three years out of an economic recession, but the U.S. economy continues to struggle. That was echoed last Friday when the latest jobs report revealed weak hiring in June and an unchanged unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.

Last month, Mesirow Financial’s chief economist, Diane Swonk, gave a cautious assessment of what could be in store for the rest of 2012 and the beginning of 2013:

“Any way we cut the data, the outlook is subdued at best; at worst, we are risking yet another recession.”

Monday on the 102nd Afternoon Shift, we review what the first six months of 2012 have meant for the regional, national and global economies with Brian Battle, director of trading at Performance Trust Capital Partners, and Mesirow Financial’s deputy chief economist Adolfo Laurenti. We’ll also get their insight on what’s ahead for consumers, the Eurozone, and the impact presidential politics could play on it all.  Weigh in with your thoughts just after 2:00 p.m. by calling 312-923-9239.