In the 12 months ending in April compared to the previous 12 months, the WSU Leading Economic Indicators Index rose a significant 7.1 percent. The three index indicators showing the largest percentage growth were the inflation-adjusted price of wheat, a 56 percent increase; the inflation-adjusted value of nonresidential building permits, a 29.9 percent increase; and the inflation-adjusted value of new orders for aircraft, a 23.6 percent increase. In nine of the past 12 months, the leading index has reached all-time highs. With that kind of solid growth, Wichitans should be able to expect the local economy to do well throughout the rest of 2008. http://webs.wichita.edu/depttools/depttoolsmemberfiles/CEDBR/leiApr2008.pdf
