Hart Index tracking local stock performance reports 19 percent decline in 4Q

An index tracking the performance of eight publicly traded companies headquartered in Eastern Washington and North Idaho declined during the fourth quarter.

Hart Capital Inland Northwest Index & Composite reported a 19.4 percent drop during the quarter. The index uses a methodology similar to the Standard & Poor’s 500, which declined 14 percent during the quarter.

Idaho Independent Bank was the only company in the Hart Index to post a positive return during the fourth quarter. IIB’s stock price rose 21.3 percent on news it would be acquired by First Interstate BancSystem Inc. of Billings.

Hecla Mining Co. and Avista Corp. were the next two best performers in the Hart Index, with losses of 15.4 percent and 16 percent respectively. Itron Inc. was the worst performer, with a 26.3 percent drop in stock prices.

For all of 2018, the Hart Index reported a 19.6 percent decline during the year. The index is compiled by Hart Capital Management of Spokane.