Midwest economic survey index rises for 2nd time in 2 months
Published 10:11 am Tuesday, March 1, 2016
OMAHA, Neb. — Figures from a survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states have risen for the second month in a row, suggesting more improvement in the regional economy.
A report issued Tuesday says the Mid-American Business Conditions Index climbed to 50.5 in February from 48.3 in January. The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests economic growth. A score below that suggests decline.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says a strong U.S. dollar and economic weakness among the nation’s chief trading partners remain a restraint on regional growth.
The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.