An IU economist says the Leading Index for Indiana – an economic predictor for the state – is sending mixed messages about the health of the Hoosier economy.
The Leading Index is at its highest point in four months, backed by positive reports from home builders and strong automotive sales. But Indiana Business Research Center Economic Analysis Director Timothy Slaper says small business optimism is down and rising mortgage rates are dampening enthusiasm.
He says the economy will likely continue to show mixed results as people try to figure out the effects of the sequester and consumers deal with high gas prices.
“I mean, they always go up in the summer because it’s the high travel season. But that’s something that people watch. I mean, it’s on every street corner and they see it go up, they tend to get a little more gloomy even if the weather’s nice.”
Thursday’s Indiana jobs numbers also showed the strongest single-month increase in manufacturing jobs in nine years…and Governor Mike Pence says he thinks that’s more than just a one-time event.
“Our commitment to making Indiana more pro-business with common sense regulations, our commitment to tax relief and our fiscal responsibility is creating an environment where business and industry, particularly in manufacturing, is taking a hard look at Indiana as a place to grow or a place to locate.”
Slaper says June employment figures are particularly difficult to use as an indicator, either positive or negative because of seasonal adjustments that occur in the middle of the year.
