The health of the business sector will affect, among other things, the ability of firms to hire workers and, particularly in regard to businesses selling their goods and services outside the State, the ability to increase the States income through exports. There are several indicators that provide a picture of the business sector's vital signs. The levels, changes from the previous period and year-to-year changes of Housing Permits give not only a reading of the States construction sector, but also of the financial sector, particularly in terms of mortgage-lending activity, and ultimately, consumer spending on durable goods and services related to the purchase of a new house. Air Cargo Tons (Discontinued Sept 2014) and the value of Connecticut Exports (collected quarterly before 2004) gauges the ability of Connecticut businesses to compete in the world market. The Connecticut Manufacturing Production Index (CMPI) and Average Manufacturing Weekly Hours (AMWH) provide a measure of the States manufacturing activity, while the strength of the entertainment and tourism sectors is reflected in the Gaming Slots Revenues, Major Attraction Visitors, and Air Passenger Count. |