The Michigan Business Activity Index compiled by Comerica Bank was unchanged in March at 101. In the first three months of 2008, the index is down less than 1 point from the fourth quarter average and is about 3 points lower than the average for the third quarter of 2007.

"With the Michigan economy less dependent on the auto sector than it was in the past, the weakness in the national economy is not having a devastating impact on the state economy," said Dana Johnson, chief economist at Comerica Bank. "To be sure, activity in Michigan is slowing in early 2008, but in a manner that roughly parallels the slowdown in the national economy."

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