Midwest economic growth at 16-year high

OMAHA, Nebraska -- A new survey of Midwest business managers show another month of economic growth.

"We're seeing the economy continuing to expand--the negatives are getting less negative. We're still, probably, four to five percent below pre-COVID-19 levels that we saw earlier this year" says Creighton University Economist Ernie Goss.

He says the October Mid-America Business Conditions Index, which ranges between 0 and 100, increased to 70.2 from September’s 65.1--it's highest level in 16 years.

Goss also says the Midwest business leaders taking part in the October survey say they continue to have trouble finding skilled workers.

"More than three-out-of-four of the manufacturers reported shortages of qualified workers--even with the unemployment rate higher" he says.

Goss says it remains very difficult to predict the economy. He says businesses need to stay flexible; manage risks; and respond quickly to changes.

The nine-state Mid-America Business Conditions Index surveys business managers in Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.


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