Analysts Say 1Q Economic Tea Leaves Are Hard to Read

by Stephanie CrosbyLocal economy-watchers in Louisville say it’s hard to tell right now if the national economy is on the rebound.Indiana University Southeast business administration professor Uric Dufrene says economic news in the first quarter of the year has been a lot like spring weather in Kentucky.“There are some bright signs. There are some optimistic signs. But there are still some question marks," says Dufrene. "This past week, the Fed, when they issued their minutes from the federal market committee, recognized that the growth is still questionable.”Dufrene says the two biggest unknowns are the jobs market, and the real estate and building sectors.The Bureau of Labor statistics reported today that unemployment in the Louisville metro area is 12-point-one percent.