WHAT: It appeared that the state might be witnessing the beginning of an ongoing acceleration in the pace of economic activity during the third quarter. That lasted all the way until disappointing data from the fourth quarter began coming in. The November Current Conditions Index was still good at 67, but inconsistent with the acceleration hypothesis.

WHO: URI Professor of Economics Leonard Lardaro, creator and author of the Current Conditions Index.

WHEN: For release Monday, January 12, 2015

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. Lardaro will be blogging about the new labor data during the coming weeks. You can find his discussion and charts at http://rieconomy.blogspot.com.

FOR INFORMATION: Leonard Lardaro, office, 401-874-4128, home, 401-783-9563

Dave Lavallee, URI Marketing & Communications, 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.