For the fifth straight month, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index ... a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas ... advanced above growth neutral, and to its highest level since 2004. The Index .. which ranges between 0 and 100 ... increased to 70.2 from September’s 65.1. In April of this year, Covid-19 pushed the overall index to its lowest level in 11 years. Since April, the overall index has risen six consecutive months with five straight months above growth neutral 50.0.
Almost eight of 10, or 78.6% of supply managers, reported shortages of qualified workers to fill open positions at their firms in October.
The Kansas Business Conditions Index for October increased to 68.7 from 63.0 in September.