WHAT: The Current Conditions Index dipped from 67 in November to 58 in December. Fifty-eight is still an expansion value, as 7 of 12 indicators improved. The good news is Rhode Island’s recovery is now 22 months old, but the bad news is the overall index has failed to exceed its year-earlier value for 10 consecutive months.
WHO: URI Professor of Economics Leonard Lardaro, creator and author of the Current Conditions Index.
WHEN: For release today, Feb. 13, 2012
HOW: Use attached information, including summary and charts prepared by Lardaro for news reports. He is available for broadcast and print interviews. The new information and other historical information can also be found on Lardaro’s web site at http://www.llardaro.com/current.htm. You can also read his blog at http://rieconomy.blogspot.com.
Available Online: http://www.llardaro.com/current.htm (NEW URL) Blog: http://rieconomy.blogspot.com
FOR
INFORMATION: Leonard Lardaro, office, 401-874-4128, home, 401-783-9563
Dave Lavallee, URI Department of Communications & Marketing, 401-874-5862.
BACKGROUND: The Current Conditions Index, created by Lardaro, measures the strength of the present economic climate in R.I. by following the behavior of 12 indicators.