Nebraska Poised for Continued Economic Success, According to Economic Indicators

Nebraska’s leading economic indicator rose 2.33% in May. According to data from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, there have been eight-straight months of growth.

Eric Thompson is the director of the Bureau of Business Research at UNL and said the numbers indicate growth for the rest of 2021.

“We do a monthly survey of Nebraska businesses and they're quite positive about hiring and sales over the next six months, so job growth should be good in the state," he said. "There was also a strong increase in manufacturing activity, so that key sector should do quite well. The third part of it, of course, is the return of the airline sector, so we’ve had strong growth in airline activity.”

Additionally, Creighton University’s Mid-American Conditions Index reports growth for June. The index includes nine-states and the guide shows recent supply chain issues in the Midwest.

Index creator Ernie Goss said the Midwest’s economy is experiencing labor shortages and price increases.

“We saw significant inflationary pressures on the negative side," he said. "All in all, it was a very good survey for the entire state of Nebraska were talking about rural and agriculturally-dependent and the urban areas of the state, so looking good straight ahead for Nebraska and for the region.”

Labor shortages are expected to be alleviated soon, according to Goss, while he said congress and presidential spending will dictate prices.