Midwest Economic Index Slips But Still Positive on Growth

May 4, 2010

A Midwest regional business conditions index slipped last month but still suggests a growing economy in the months ahead.

A report on the Midwest Business Conditions survey of supply managers and business leaders in a nine-state region was released May 3.

The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group, directed by Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss, gauges business conditions using an index that ranges between 0 and 100. Growth neutral is 50, and a figure greater than 50 indicates an expanding economy over the next three to six months.

The report says the index slipped to a still-healthy 61.7 from 64.3 in March. It was the fifth straight month that the index remained above growth neutral.

The index ranges from zero to 100. Any score above 50 suggests economic growth in the next three to six months, while a score below 50 suggests a contracting economy in the coming months.

The nine states are Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

On the Net:

Creighton Economic Forecasting Group:
http://www.outlook-economic.com