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Business and employment index shows Utah economy improving

Posted at 9:46 AM, Feb 29, 2012
and last updated 2012-02-29 11:51:56-05

According to a recent analysis, Utah's current economic condition is getting better.

According to the Zions Bank Consumer Attitude Index, more Utahns also think the U.S. economy will improve in the next year. Three months ago, only 13 percent felt that way. But that number is way up after a poll this week.

The Dow closed Tuesday above 13,000 for the first time since May, 2008. And since January, home sales nationally have risen.

"What we look at is the trend and this month we have the highest confidence level in the past 13-14 months. it means this economic recovery, albeit slow and gradual, has forward momentum and we're hopeful that will continue," said Randy Shumway from the Cicero Group, a consulting firm that surveyed between 500 and 600 Utahns to come up with the latest data.

Shumway says with unemployment going down and business picking up, there is plenty to be optimistic about. And that optimism is what many companies, big and small have been using to expand.

Utah financial experts believe this positive trend will continue and the the say City Creek Center opening at the end of March will only help.