The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota and the Dakotas to Arkansas, has remained above growth neutral for 16 of the last 17 months.

Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, says while still in positive territory, the overall index slipped in September….

Goss says the confidence index, looking ahead six months, dropped to 37, down from 53.5 in August…

Goss says the regional employment index remained above growth neutral for September….

Goss says the wholesale inflation gauge for the month slipped to 94.9 from August’s 95.0. “

As reported by supply managers, rising input prices represented the third greatest challenge or threat faced by their firm over the next 12 months.