OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Sturdy financial progress is anticipated to proceed in 9 Midwest and Plains states over the subsequent few months as companies proceed to get better from the coronavirus pandemic, in accordance with a brand new month-to-month survey of enterprise leaders launched Thursday.
The general index for the area remained at a robust stage of 68.9 in March despite the fact that it was barely decrease than February’s 69.6 studying. Any rating above 50 on the survey’s indexes suggests progress, whereas a rating beneath 50 suggests recession.
Companies within the space have recovered roughly half of the 120,000 jobs misplaced final yr when states imposed restrictions associated to the coronavirus. Creighton College economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, mentioned progress within the space may be even stronger if it weren’t for delays in receiving uncooked supplies and provides.
“The area is including jobs and financial exercise at a wholesome tempo, and that progress will stay wholesome nicely into the second half of 2021,” Goss mentioned.
Enterprise leaders mentioned they’re seeing vital inflation significantly in the price of metallic merchandise and lumber on the wholesale stage.
However the enterprise leaders are optimistic in regards to the economic system. The survey’s confidence index elevated to 58 in March from February’s impartial rating of fifty.
The month-to-month survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
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