BOONE—The month of May was a bit kinder for the economy in Western North Carolina.

Economic activity, as measured by the Western North Carolina Economic Index, increased by 0.4 points in May, halting three consecutive months of decreases in the index.

The index, compiled by the Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA) at Appalachian State University, tracks the level of economic activity in 25 western North Carolina counties.

“The latest index shows a jump in regional economic activity, but the numbers are mixed in the labor market.  Overall, the numbers indicate the recovery continues to be slow and bumpy,” said Dr. Todd Cherry, CERPA director.

“Job growth was flat but there were gains concentrated in the High Country in Northwest North Carolina and the Asheville ...