The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Arkansas to North Dakota, climbed to a solid reading in August.
The Business Conditions Index, which ranges between 0 and 100, rose to 57.5 from July’s 56.1. This is the ninth straight month the index has remained above growth neutral, continuing to point to positive growth for the region over the next three to six months.

Ernie Goss,director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group calls it a “Goldilocks” report….

The August employment index once again jumped above growth neutral with a healthy reading of 59.2, and up from July’s 56.5.
Goss says it shows slow, steady growth…

Goss says after falling for two straight months, the regional wholesale inflation gauge rose to a level indicating modest inflationary pressures…..

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the August business confidence index, jumped to a strong 62.5 from 60.2 in July. “