Economic Indicator Predicts Moderate Growth for Near Future
By Aaron Bonderson 
, Report for America Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media
Feb. 23, 2022, 1:55 p.m. ·
Nebraska businesses expect moderate growth in the next six months. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s monthly economic indicator rose by 0.58% in January.
Eric Thompson leads the report, which looks at factors to predict the economic climate over the next six months. He said the January results show growth in the near future, but not as much as this time last year.
“Four consecutive months of moderate increase in the indicator,” Thompson said. “Now, last year, especially early in the year, the leading indicator was up sharply month after month."
He said business leaders expect to grow sales and hiring in the coming months, but low airplane ticket sales and building permit totals keep the economy from growing for now.