The way Creighton University economist Dr. Ernie Goss puts it, the economy in the Midwest and Plains states is “surging.”
He’s out with his monthly survey of supply managers for August. The Mid-America Business Conditions Index, which covers Oklahoma and 8 other states jumped to 61.1 for the month. That’s up from the 57.0 recorded in July.
“It’s very good. It’s expanding. I’ll use the word ‘surging’ and the overall index for August is up significantly,” said Goss. He pointed out it was the 21st straight month the index was above growth neutral 50.0.
Goss also said the survey found the region’s manufacturing growth was 3.1 percent in the past 12 months which is better than the nation’s growth rate of 2.6 percent.
The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth. A score below that suggests decline.
The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.