DETROIT – Comerica Bank?s Michigan Economic Activity Index increased in March, up 1.8 points to a level of 119.9. The March index reading is 49 points, or 68 percent, above the index cyclical low of 71.2. The index averaged 114 for all of 2012, 11 points above the index average for 2011. February?s index reading was revised up from 117.8 to 118.1.
?Our Michigan Index has gradually increased through the first three months of 2013, consistent with an improving national and regional economic climate. The index components for March were mixed, with payrolls, state sales tax and motor vehicle production stronger. Exports, hotel occupancy, unemployment insurance claims and residential building permits were weaker,? said Robert Dye, Chief Economist at Comerica Bank. ?It is good news for Michigan to see auto assemblies increasing again, after flattening out at the start of the year. I expect to see auto sales moderately increase through the year, bolstered by improving conditions for residential real estate.?
