Local Indicators Predict Good Start to 2013 - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Erie's Leading Index of eight top economic indicators are predicting a healthy start to the New Year, in fact, the numbers are the fifth highest since the Index was formed.

National building permits and the S&P 500 are among the indicators used, but so are local manufacturing jobs which took a slight dip.

So did the PA average for hours worked, but the average is still above 40 hours per week, suggesting that PA companies are still offering overtime.

The numbers are further proof that the area is past the recession of 2009 and is leading to hopefulness that the economy will continue to grow.

Dr. James Kurre, who overseas the Index for Penn State Erie's School of Business, says all the optimism can still be lost unless there is an agreement from Washington on the Fiscal Cliff.