The August Mid-American business Conditions Index expands to its highest in two years. The index increased to 60 .0 in August from July’s 57.4.
Creighton University Economist Dr. Ernie Goss says the report also shows that for the first time since January, the employment index rose to above growth neutral (50.0).
Goss says, “While the August reading was certainly encouraging, manufacturing activity in the region remains below pre-COVID-19 levels. Creighton’s regional index has been mirroring the national ISM index with readings above growth neutral for June and July.”
The report shows improvements in employment and the index moved above growth neutral 50 for the first time since January, coming in at 54.8 for August, compared with 48.5 in July.
The wholesale inflation gauge for the month indicated a fall in wholesale prices from July with an index of 52.3, down from July’s 65.2.
The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.