NWI Index: March 2016 Quarterly Summary

Abstract

During the first quarter of 2016 the Northwest Indiana Coincident Index rose 1.1 points to 141.9, up 0.3 points from February. A rise in the index is typical in the first quarter of each year as part of a seasonal trend but this year’s growth was stronger than normal. While this is positive news, it follows a dismal fourth quarter in which the index fell 0.8 points. Overall the index is up almost two points from a year ago. Over the next six months, the forecast for regional economic growth has been upgraded to moderate growth of 1.5 points or slightly above 1%.