Study: Jobs in Greater Sacramento up at least 2 percent in '06 - 2005-12-20 - Sacramento Business Journal

Study: Jobs in Greater Sacramento up at least 2 percent in '06 - 2005-12-20 - Sacramento Business Journal: "LATEST NEWS
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Sacramento Business Journal - 10:23 AM PST Tuesday
Study: Jobs in Greater Sacramento up at least 2 percent in '06
Jobs in Greater Sacramento will rise by as much as 2.5 percent next year, according to a forecast jointly produced by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and the SPHERE Institute of Burlingame.
The report, California Policy Review Regional Economic Outlook for the Sacramento Region, predicts that job growth in the region will reach 2 percent by early next year. The forecast further predicts the region's job growth will remain at the 2 percent to 2.5 percent range throughout 2006, led by continued strength in the construction sector and continued job growth especially in the government sector. Manufacturing will contribute to overall job growth in the region in the upcoming year, returning to positive territory after several years of losses.
The report also forecasts continued strength in the housing sector, with prices of both new and existing homes continuing to increase through the first half of 2007, although the rate of price appreciation is expected to slow markedly. The forecast calls for sales of both new and existing homes to decline modestly over the next six quarters.
The study pointed to substantial risks, including trade and budget deficits at the national level and high oil prices. "