Toledo-area economy better in 2nd quarter

8/7/2004

The Toledo area's economy improved slightly in the second quarter, although the local recovery has been weak, with no job growth, according to a local index of leading indicators.

The Toledo index increased 1.1 percent to 100.9, well below its peak of 109.4 in early 2000, said Paul Kozlowski, University of Toledo professor of finance and business economics. He issued his report yesterday.

Only two of six index indicators moved favorably, housing permits and car sales. Among indicators that were unfavorable were an increase in the initial jobless claims and new factory orders.