WHAT: While Rhode Island’s economy remains stuck in neutral overall, October’s data contain some basis for believing that things might begin to improve in the future. The critical indicator to watch is retail sales.

WHO: URI Professor of Economics Leonard Lardaro, creator and author of the Current Conditions Index.

WHEN: For release today, December 12, 2011

HOW: Use attached information, including summary and charts prepared by Lardaro for news reports. He is available for broadcast and print interviews. The new information and other historical information can also be found on Lardaro’s web site at http://www.llardaro.com/current.htm. You can also read his blog at http://rieconomy.blogspot.com.

Available Online: http://www.llardaro.com/current.htm (NEW URL)
Blog: http://rieconomy.blogspot.com

FOR INFORMATION: Leonard Lardaro, office, 401-874-4128, home, 401-783-9563

Dave Lavallee, URI Department of Communications and Marketing, 401-874-5862.

BACKGROUND: The Current Conditions Index, created by Lardaro, measures the strength of the present economic climate in R.I. by following the behavior of 12 indicators.

For more URI News visit www.uri.edu/news