Since declining to a record low in April of last year, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, has remained above growth neutral for 17 of the last 18 months. The index, which ranges between 0 and 100, climbed to a very healthy 65.2 from September’s 61.6.
Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, says the survey results indicate the region is adding manufacturing business activity at a positive pace, and that regional growth will remain solid, but somewhat slower.
The Kansas Business Conditions Index for October rose to 66.5 from 62.0 in September. Goss says Kansas manufacturing employment grew by 3.9%, fourth in the region, with a gain in average hourly wages of 5.5%, second in the region.