After a better-than-expected economy in 2023, a 2024 economy should see reduced consumer spending, lower wage growth and a slightly higher unemployment rate, according to economists speaking Friday (Jan. 26) at the 30th Annual Business Forecast Luncheon in Rogers.
Around 1,200 people gathered at the annual event held at the Rogers Convention Center. Mervin Jebaraj, executive director for the Center for Business & Economic Research at the University of Arkansas, said the economic slowdown is already underway across the Natural State.
Jebaraj expects the state to add between 10,000 and 10,500 jobs in 2024, and roughly half of those will be in Northwest Arkansas, with central Arkansas seeing growth in leisure and hospitality and healthcare jobs. He said Fort Smith can look for more construction jobs with Umarex USA’s $30 million investment in its Chaffee Crossing facility…
