Fresno State economic index indicates continued growth

Business conditions perked up in the Valley last month, according to a report issued Wednesday by Fresno State’s Craig School of Business.

Research economist Ernie Goss said the San Joaquin Valley Business Conditions Index rose to a score of 55 for September, compared to an August index of 53.9. An index of 50 is considered to be growth neutral, and anything higher suggests economic growth over the next three to six months. The index is based on a survey of corporate purchasing executives at companies in Fresno, Kings, Madera and Tulare counties.

Growth was focused on industry sectors including warehousing, wholesale trade and business services, Goss said. “The overall index over the last several months indicates that economic growth will remain healthy in the months ahead,” he added.

The index survey asks for executives’ observations and opinions on employment trends, wholesale prices, business confidence, inventories, exports, imports, new orders, production or sales, and delivery lead time.

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 3:27 PM with the headline "Fresno State economic index indicates continued growth."