Economists Hopeful, But Cautious On Mass.

A spate of recent upbeat reports have analysts cautiously optimistic about the economy in Massachusetts heading into 2010.

The Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported a 63.1 percent increase in sales of single-family homes in November compared with the same month in 2008. Business confidence, as measured by Associated Industries of Massachusetts, has risen in eight of the past nine months.

Unemployment has fallen two straight months in Massachusetts and tax collections were up slightly in November.

Economists, however, are reluctant to put the state on the leading edge of a national economic recovery, saying there are many internal and external factors that could lend uncertainty in 2010.

Several analysts warn that the state's continuing fiscal problems could dampen economic growth.