San Diego County's index of leading economic indicators jumped more than a point in March, suggesting the economy will remain vital for the rest of the year.
The labor market is driving the increase in the index, according to University of San Diego economist Alan Gin.
Jobless claims declined and help wanted advertising was up, Gin said. And there was positive movement in all the local categories.
"All six (local) components were up," Gin said. "That's the third month in a row where that's happened. That hasn't happened before in the history of the index. So it looks like the local economy is firing on all cylinders at this point."
The view of the national economy was up too, but only slightly. It is the local economy that is showing strength, said Gin.
"Given the fact that the index has now been up for 10 months in a row and we've three consecutive really strong gains, I think it would be safe to say that we're going to have a strong local economy at least through the end of 2015 and probably beyond," Gin said.
The number of requests for building permits also rose sharply in March.
