The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for a nine-state region stretching from Arkansas to North Dakota, rose slightly for August.
Ernie Goss is director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group…………

Goss says over the past several months the regional index, much like the national reading, has indicated the manufacturing sector is experiencing weak business conditions.
Goss say the regional employment gauge indicates the nine-state manufacturing sector continues to lose jobs….

As a result of the weak manufacturing labor market in the region, supply managers expect wages and salaries to grow by a tepid 2.1 percent over the next year.
Goss says inflation remains low through the region….

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the August business confidence index, sank to 45.4 from July’s 47.0.