Car sales, as recorded and counted by the MVA, are one of the best, real-time tests of the state's economic strength. Maryland new-car sales fell 7.5 percent in January compared with the same month in 2007. Thanks to alert reader John for noting that the figures have been posted and also noting that the average vehicle sales price was down $700 for January. The number of used-car sales fell by 10 percent.

January sales may have been depressed because of the increase in the vehicle-titling tax from 5 percent to 6 percent that took effect after New Year's. That may have spurred people who otherwise would have bought early this year to purchase in December. But December sales weren't so great, either.