After operating in the mid-3 percent employment growth range for the first half of 2005, the Utah economy unexpectedly jumped upward during last year's third quarter. |
It certainly fits the expected pattern. We've been in a strong economy for over a year now. But it usually takes awhile for the economy to absorb the excess out there, people who have been idle and unemployed. |
It did cause a slowing at the national level, but not here in Utah. |
That's a good thing. That means people are working and need help paying someone to watch their kids. |
The current employment growth in the mid-4 percent range is the best period of employment growth Utah has experienced since the early part of 1997. |
There's been slight moderation, but that's just minor movement at a very high level. It's like a high-flying airplane coming down a little bit. You're still flying pretty high. |