Economic survey index figure for region including Arkansas drops after 3 increases

OMAHA, Neb. — Figures from a survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states have dropped slightly after rising for three months, but they still point to economic growth.

A report issued Monday says the Mid-American Business Conditions Index declined to 50.1 in April from 50.6 in March.

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests economic growth. A score below that suggests decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says "continuing weakness in the region's agriculture and energy sectors remains an obstacle to improving overall growth."

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Arkansas' overall index slipped to 49.5 from March's 51.0. Components of the index were new orders at 50.7, production or sales at 50.1, delivery lead time at 52.4, inventories at 49.7 and employment at 44.9. "Weakness among the state's durable-goods manufacturers more than offset slight gains for nondurable-goods producers for the month," Goss said.

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