The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce reported a surge in local business confidence in January, with its monthly Business Outlook Index at the highest level since last March.
“The strong gains seen this month are higher than the previous quarter’s and the previous month’s, showing that the positive movement is sustained and significant,” said Dino D’Auria, chief banking officer at index sponsor Silvergate Bank.
The index stood at 25.6 in January, slightly above its historic average. It had dropped to only 9.3 in October, the lowest level since measurement began three years ago.
The chamber said there appears to be a “Trump effect” at work. “San Diego County business people believe he’ll help the economy, and that belief spurs greater optimism,” according to the chamber.
But local developments also contributed, with the chamber citing resolution of the Chargers saga coupled with the proposal to redevelop the Qualcomm Stadium site.
The survey for the index was was fielded Jan. 15-30 by Competitive Edge Research and is based on responses from 201 randomly selected members of the San Diego, East County, Alpine, Escondido, Lakeside, Vista, Santee, Encinitas and National City Chambers of Commerce.