Neb.-based survey suggests Midwest economy better

Economic indicators of a newly released regional survey increased significantly from previous months, pointing to improving economic growth in the months ahead.

But the survey of business leaders and supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states released Monday also found signs of inflation in the months to come.

The Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America region jumped to 61 in February from 54.7 in January and 50.3 in December.

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

The Mid-America survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

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On the Net: Creighton Economic Forecasting Group

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