The local economy grew again in April (the previous month’s increase marked a year of gains), according to the latest University of San Diego economic index released Thursday.
The index tracks six indicators. Three rose in April: local stock prices, help wanted ads and building permits, though the last one was just a slight increase.
The other three indicators registered negatives, related to unemployment, the national economy and consumer confidence.
Here’s USD’s Alan Gin from the April index:
The outlook for the local economy continues to be for moderate growth for the rest of 2010. There are signs that things are picking up, particularly on the all-important job growth front. Employment has now been up month-to-month for three straight months. Revised data for March show 6,600 jobs added to the local economy, the most in over two years.
— KELLY BENNETT