Hart Capital Index has strong third quarter

The Hart Capital Inland Northwest Index and Composite, which tracks seven of the region’s largest and most influential public companies, increased 8.3 percent in the third quarter. The market benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, gained 1.2 percent in the same period.

Key Tronic Corp led, gaining 27.5 percent after beating quarterly earnings expectations. Itron gained 18.2 percent for the quarter; Clearwater Paper Corp. rose 14.2 percent. W.T.B. Financial Corp was the laggard: It posted a 3.6 percent loss. Falling interest rates squeezed much of the financial sector.

So far this year, Itron has led the gainers. Its shares are up 56.4 percent on strong earnings and improved expectations. PotlatchDeltic Corp. was the runner-up, with a 29.9 percent gain — it’s done well since a 30 percent rise in lumber prices in January. Clearwater Paper and Hecla Mining Co. were the bottom two performers for the Index, losing 13.3 percent and 25.4 percent, respectively.

Hart Capital Management serves the Inland Northwest from its offices in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane.