Slight Slowdown Predicted For Arizona's Economy

The Phoenix Business Journal reports that Arizona's economy is expected to grow in 2006 at a slower rate than in 2005, according to the latest Bank One Arizona Blue Chip Economic Forecast.

The panel of economic experts forecast job growth of 3.9% in 2006, compared with 4.2% this year. The forecast calls for 97,000 new jobs to come online in 2006. These job figures would rank Arizona among the top 5 states for employment gains.

The forecast also anticipates a slowdown in local home construction, but calls for a soft landing rather than a catastrophic event. More...