Bullish on America: ING sees strong growth and a big stock rally in 2010

Executives at ING, the Dutch banking, insurance and asset-management company, are predicting a broad recovery for the U.S. economy in 2010. And they see that fueling a tremendous stock market rally, taking the S&P 500 to levels approaching 1275 -- about 15% higher than its current level.

The reason for ING's optimism: It expects pent-up demand to become unleashed next year. Companies that have delayed everything from equipment upgrades and maintenance to expansion plans will be forced to begin modest spending on these items. And consumers, who have also delayed purchases and maintenance on their homes while paying down debt, will also begin spending at modestly higher levels.