In August, the Hull College of Business Augusta Leading Economic Index (LEI) increased 0.4% from July. The index has increased 3.7% from August 2013. This represents six consecutive months of growth. The increase was driven by a 7 percent increase in job openings and a 3 percent climb from the Dow Jones Industrial Average (which has since been lost!). Housing permits and initial claims for unemployment insurance both negatively impacted the index.

The labor market remained flat, losing just 500 jobs, but the housing market continues to improve. According to data from Blanchard and Calhoun house prices for properties that sold in September were 7.6% higher than in September 2013.