Mike Cohen / CC
YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) — The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota and the Dakotas to Arkansas, has remained above growth neutral for 16 of the last 17 months.
Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, says while still in positive territory, the overall index slipped in September. The index has now declined for four of the past five months.
“I consider that fairly significant, just because the economy’s slowing down, but I’m still expecting positive growth for the region,” Goss said.
The survey’s confidence index, looking ahead six months, dropped to 37, down from 53.5 in August and its lowest mark since the pandemic started.
Goss said the regional employment index remained above growth neutral for September, though hiring remains a challenge for businesses struggling to find workers.
(Jerry Oster, WNAX, contributed this report.)
