The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index fell in May, but remained above growth neutral for the 24th straight month. The Index, an economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas which ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral, sank to a still-solid 60.0 from April’s 65.9.
Director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group Ernie Goss said, "Survey results indicate the region continues to add manufacturing activity at a solid pace, but with significant, and rising inflationary pressures. Supply chain disruptions remain the greatest challenge for the rest of 2022, according to supply managers.”
The Kansas Business Conditions Index for May declined to a healthy 61.2 from April’s 66.7. Goss says Kansas’ leisure and hospitality industry has benefited from some healthy growth, but employment in this industry remains 4.4% below pre-pandemic levels.