Gwinnett economic index falls 2.1 percent

The Gwinnett County Index of Leading Economic Indicators fell 2.1 percent in March as single-family building permits and consumer expectations fell.

Single-family permits fell nearly 12 percent during March and were down more than 27 percent from the same month a year ago, according to a new report. Consumer attitudes about future economic conditions fell 14.6 percent in March and were 4.8 percent lower than March 2010.

The index, prepared by the county’s economic analysis division, is designed to forecast Gwinnett’s economic performance six to nine months in advance.