The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index for March, a leading economic indicator for a nine-state region stretching from Arkansas to North Dakota, expanded for a third straight month and moved above growth neutral for a second consecutive month.

Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group says the overall index inched up….

The regional employment gauge remained below growth neutral, but increased to 45.9 from February’s 44.4.
Goss says this month, businesses were asked to report the starting salary for a supply manager with a bachelor’s degree and no experience…..

Goss says wholesale prices continue to rise….

Looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the March business confidence index, climbed to 51.4 from February’s 46.8.