Economic index jumps for Midwest, Western states
November 15th, 2012 by Ric Hanson
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) ā An index of economic conditions in 10 Midwest and Western states has jumped for a third straight month, but the looming “fiscal cliff” and other factors have shaken confidence in the region’s economy for the coming months. The overall Rural Mainstreet index released Thursday rose to 57.5 in November from October’s 56.6. Any score above 50 on the 100-point scale suggests a growing economy.
The survey of bankers covers rural areas of Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. The confidence index, which reflects expectations for the economy six months out, sank to 45.6 from October’s 50.7.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss attributes the lack of confidence to the looming “fiscal cliff,” and the lack of a federal farm and energy bills.