BRAC’s Economic Indicator Dashboard examines and assesses the impact of COVID-19 on the regional economy, taking into account a number of data points to illustrate the economy’s current state, and to keep businesses informed as it rebounds. Past dashboards are archived on brac.org/recovery.
Key findings from this week’s dashboard include:
- For the first week of November, consumer spending was above pre-pandemic levels in the three largest parishes in the Capital Region, indicating strong consumer confidence;
- Indicators such as hotel occupancy and fuel sales showed stability, remaining just below and just above 2019 numbers respectively;
- Weekly unemployment claims rose for the first time in 17 weeks; however, the jump was so pronounced and contrary to other data, that the claims number is being reviewed by the Louisiana Workforce Commission;
- While Professional Services, Government, Trade, Transportation, and Utility job counts are just below or at pre-pandemic levels, Leisure & Hospitality (-24.3%) and Construction (-12.3%) are still struggling, although Construction added 2,500 jobs over the month.