NWI Index: April 2016 Release

Abstract

In April the Northwest Indiana Coincident Index continued the positive growth that began with the start of the year and rose by 0.3 points from 141.9 to 142.2. Since March the region added 4,200 new jobs, retail sales were strong and average manufacturing hours worked expanded. At the same time, uncertainty continues in the streel industry and steel production fell by 3% in April. The forecast for economic growth over the next six months remains at about 1%.