The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group uses the same methodology as the national survey to consult supply managers and business leaders. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss oversees the report.
The overall index ranges between 0 and 100. Growth neutral is 50, and a figure greater than 50 indicates an expanding economy over the next three to six months.
email
reprint
newsletter
comments
Here are the state-by-state results of the July survey in the Mid-America region:
Arkansas: For a third straight month, Arkansas' overall index dropped. It hit 51.8 in July, compared with 60.2 in June. Components of the index were new orders at 44.1, production or sales at 46.3, delivery lead time at 65.9, inventories at 47.6 and employment at 55.0. "Over the past three months, new entrants to the state's workforce have pushed the unemployment rate up by 0.4 percentage points even as employment has expanded. Survey results point to slower job growth and a flat unemployment rate over the next three months," Goss said.
Iowa: Iowa's overall index remained above growth neutral for the 19th straight month. The July index rose to a regional high of 62.6 from 61.4 in June. Components of the index were new orders at 60.8, production or sales at 64.8, delivery lead time at 65.9, employment at 54.6 and inventories at 64.6. Over the past three months, declines in Iowa's workforce and employment growth have pushed the state's unemployment rate down a tenth of a percentage point. "Survey results point to improving job growth and a slight decline in the unemployment rate over the next three months," said Goss.
Rate This Story
Your Rating
Overall Rating
Reader Comments
Minnesota: Minnesota's overall index remained above growth neutral for the 24th straight month. It hit 57.5 in July, compared with 54.8 in June. Components of the index were new orders at 57.6, production or sales at 55.7, delivery lead time at 57.4, inventories at 59.7 and employment at 57.2. "Over the past three months, despite new entrants to the workforce, healthy employment growth has stabilized the state's unemployment rate. Recent survey results point to positive job growth and a slight decline in Minnesota's unemployment rate for the next three months," said Goss.
Missouri: The state's overall index dropped to 51.9 in July from 54.5 in June. The index continues to point to much slower growth in the months ahead. Components of the July index were new orders at 51.1, production or sales at 48.0, delivery lead time at 61.3, inventories at 51.0 and employment at 48.3. "Over the past three months, growth in durable and nondurable manufacturing has pushed the state's unemployment rate down by 0.3 percentage points. Based on recent survey results, Missouri should continue to add jobs at a somewhat slower pace as the unemployment rate stabilizes at its current rate over the next three months," Goss said.
Nebraska: The overall index remained above growth neutral for the ninth straight month, hitting 57.1 in July, compared with 56.0 in June. Components of the index were new orders at 57.7, production or sales at 59.6, delivery lead time at 56.5, inventories at 55.0 and employment at 56.2. Goss said that over the past three months, employment growth in Nebraska has pushed the unemployment rate down by a tenth of a percentage point. "Recent survey results point to solid job growth in Nebraska and a flat unemployment rate for the next three months," Goss said.
North Dakota: The state's overall index climbed to 55.1 in July from 44.4 in June. Components of the index were new orders at 51.0, production or sales at 46.2, delivery lead time at 61.8, employment at 56.5 and inventories at 60.2. "Despite a pullback in June, our survey results continue to indicate solid job growth in the state for the next three to six months," Goss said. "I expect North Dakota to continue to add jobs at a somewhat slower pace, with the unemployment rate stabilizing at its current level for the next three to six months," he said.
Oklahoma: The state's overall index jumped to 61.9 in July from 54.7 in June. Components of the index were new orders at 57.4, production or sales at 59.8, delivery lead time at 78.4, inventories at 55.7 and employment at 58.9. "Over the past three months, despite new entrants to the workforce, healthy employment growth in the state has pushed the unemployment rate down by 0.8 percentage points. Recent survey results point to solid job growth and a flat unemployment rate for the next three months for Oklahoma," Goss said.
South Dakota: The state's overall index dropped to 57.0 in July from 60.7 in June. Components of the index were new orders at 52.2, production or sales at 63.7, delivery lead time at 50.5, inventories at 55.0 and employment at 63.7. Over the past three months, employment growth has pushed South Dakota's unemployment rate down by a tenth of a point, Goss said. "Recent survey results point to positive but slow job growth and a flat unemployment rate for the next three months," he said.
