North Carolina's economic barometer remained declined slightly in February but continued a steady improvement seen in January.

The monthly index of leading economic indicators is complied by N.C. State University economic Michael Walden. It showed a 0.7 percent decrease for February as well as a 0.7 percent decline since February 2011.

Walden said in a release that growth will continue in the state in the coming months as nonfarm job growth in North Carolina outpaces that of the nation by 2.9 percent to 2.7 percent since February 2010.

North Carolina's economic barometer improved in October, its first gain since June.

But the statewide economic index still remains down from one year ago, a sign that the state's economy is stagnant and not expected to improve significantly anytime soon.

The monthly index of leading economic indicators is compiled by N.C. State  University economist Michael Walden. It showed a 1.4 percent increase for October and a 0.5 percent decline since October 2010.

"Without a significant 'breakout' -- either up or down -- the outlook is for more of the same," Walden said in his release.

The Walden index is based on five measures: jobless claims, housing permits, manufacturing hours worked, manufacturing earnings per employee, as well as the national index of leading economic indicators.

For October it shows marginal increases and decreases except for housing permits, which surged 31.2 percent.

For a marked improvement, the measures of the index would have to improve consistently over an extended period.