EUGENE, Ore. -- The latest economic index compiled by the University of Oregon showed another dip as the recession sweeps through the state, with no signs of improvement any time soon.

The university's monthly index of economic indicators fell a half percentage point in November, and is now down nearly 8 percent in the past six months.

The index measures a wide range of business and employment activity, and the overall weakness across the index suggests the recession will continue at least another three to six months.

The index showed that housing markets deteriorated further in November, but consumer confidence held steady.