The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for a nine-state region stretching from Arkansas to North Dakota, declined for July.

Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group says this is the first time since January the overall reading has fallen below growth neutral……

Goss says many businesses are worried about issues far beyond the middle part of the country…..

While the regional employment gauge improved for June, the reading remains below growth neutral. The index rose slightly to 46.9 from June’s 46.1.

Goss says the wholesale inflation gauge remained in a range indicating modest inflationary pressures….

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the July business confidence index, sank to 47.0 from June’s 51.9.