It is forecast to average 5 percent during the fourth quarter. Total tonnage through the State Ports Authority and the Port of Charleston is expected to remain strong through the fourth quarter, with total tonnage forecast to be 3 percent to 4 percent above 1995 figures. Consumer price index. The indicators used in the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce's economic forecast are reported in a quarterly format, which allows the charting of economic trends over two years. Predictions are based on econometric modeling developed by Charleston Southern University, using historical data from the chamber's Center for Business Research.
Data includes various indicators and their influences on each other.
The model relies on 18 indicators. Local factors include labor force, employment, jobless rate, retail sales, home and commercial construction permits, lodging occupancy rates and daily room charges, attraction visits, new car and truck sales, airline arrivals and port tonnage.