The Zions Bank Utah Consumer Attitude Index (CAI) dipped slightly heading into the new year. After a record-setting month in December, the Utah Present Situation Index, a measure of confidence in current statewide economic conditions, also decreased to 125.2 points in January from a level of 132.1 in December.

Reduced optimism regarding current perceptions of the Utah labor market drove the dip in the CAI heading into 2018, as more Utahns feel that the number of available jobs within the state are decreasing. According to survey data, 55 percent of Utahns believe that job availability is “plentiful” within their area, down from 61 percent in December. However, Utahns are increasingly optimistic about the future of the labor market.

“Utah’s economy continues to grow as a result of robust local job creation,” according to Scott Anderson, Zions Bank president and CEO.

One area creating positive consumer sentiment is in the rise in home values. According to Corelogic’s housing price index, single family housing prices are up 10.5 percent year-over-year within Utah.