OMAHA, Neb. — Results from a monthly survey of business supply managers suggest economic conditions continue to improve in nine states including Arkansas.
The Mid-America Business Conditions Index report released Wednesday says the overall economic index for the region rose to 54.7 in January from 53.1 in December. It's the highest figure since February 2015 and the third monthly increase in a row.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the increases point to an improving regional manufacturing economy.
The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth in that factor. A score below that suggests decline.
Arkansas' overall index for January rose to 55.3 from December's 53.7. Components of the index were new orders at 56.2, production or sales at 56.2, delivery lead time at 53.0, inventories at 53.3 and employment at 57.8.
"Expansions among nondurable-goods producers more than offset continuing weak conditions reported by durable-goods manufacturers in the state," Goss said.
The survey also covers Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.