Houston Economic Update April 2013 via FRB of Dallas

The Houston Business-Cycle Index accelerated to a 13.1 percent growth rate in February from a January reading that was revised down to 6.7 percent. February marks the largest one-month increase in the index since 1996. Energy-related activity and improvement in construction and real estate continue to be dominant forces in the region. Area industry fundamentals seem more firm than at the end of 2012.

Houston payroll employment grew 7.9 percent from January to February. Year to date, 27,400 jobs have been added, 18.6 percent more than at the same time last year. Construction and mining along with professional and business services led employment growth in February.

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