After operating in the mid-3 percent employment growth range for the first half of 2005, the Utah economy unexpectedly jumped upward during last year's third quarter.
It did cause a slowing at the national level, but not here in Utah.
That's a good thing. That means people are working and need help paying someone to watch their kids.
It certainly fits the expected pattern. We've been in a strong economy for over a year now. But it usually takes awhile for the economy to absorb the excess out there, people who have been idle and unemployed.
There's been slight moderation, but that's just minor movement at a very high level. It's like a high-flying airplane coming down a little bit. You're still flying pretty high.
The current employment growth in the mid-4 percent range is the best period of employment growth Utah has experienced since the early part of 1997.
