Construction spending dipped from October to November, but resolution of the uncertainty regarding federal taxes for 2013 should unleash more private construction investment, according to an analysis of new federal data released this month by the a

The wood products market is showing signs of recovery in the coming year, due in part to an uptick in new home construction in the second half of 2012.Shawn Church, editor of Eugene, Ore.-based Random Lengths, a publication that tracks lumber 34

Both retail sales and lease activity are expected to show moderate increases next year, although continued growth in consumer spending in 2013 will rely heavily on avoiding the fiscal cliff, experts say.Bryn West, general manager for River Park

With big cities drawing away convention and meeting traffic, tourism is expected to dip here next year, although sports-related travel shows promise, officials say.Since 2009, Visit Spokane has projected 2013 to be a slow meeting year, says the

While financial institutions have experienced better results this year, bankers here remain somewhat cautious, expecting slow, steady growth to occur again in 2013.Overall, banking industry leaders cite definite bright spots this year, such as a

Manufacturing, health care, and tourism will help sustain economic growth in Kootenai County, and the residential real estate market will continue its modest rebound, observers of the economy there say.The October unemployment rate was 8.7 in in

Mining companies expect another year of high metal prices and production in 2013 to meet global demand for gold and silver, as well as for base metals. Industry leaders say challenges ahead include a growing shortage of experienced mine workers and