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 in June. After falling below growth neutral for three straight months, the overall index bounced into positive territory for June.
Creighton University professor Ernie Goss says the Business Conditions Index, which ranges between 0 and 100, increased to 50.3 from May's 43.5.
"June's above growth neutral reading indicates that between May and June, business conditions improved," said Goss. "It will take many months of above 50.0 before the regional economy returns to pre-Covid-19 levels."
The Kansas Business Conditions Index for June increased to 45.1 from May's 42.8. "Since the onset of COVID-19, the state has lost more than 108,000 jobs, or approximately 7.6% of its employment," said Goss. "Our surveys point to a flattening of employment with only slight job gains in the months ahead."
