URI economist gives mixed review for January

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A University of Rhode Island economist has once again given a mixed review of the state’s economy.

Professor Leonard Lardaro said Thursday his “Current Conditions Index” was revised higher for four months in 2013 based on new state labor data. And he said the index level for January rose to 75 from the revised December rate of 58. Nine of the 12 indicators he tracks improved in January.

But Lardaro noted that for the sixth consecutive month, and the seventh time in eight months, the index level failed to improve relative to a year earlier. For instance, the January level was exactly the same as a year ago.

Rhode Island’s unemployment rate was 9.2 percent in January. The February jobless rate is scheduled to be released next week.