A monthly index that tracks economic conditions in a nine-state region including Nebraska reached its highest level in nearly three years last month.
The Mid-America Business Conditions Index hit 56.7 in March, up from 52 in February. It was the highest reading since July 2022.
The index for Nebraska also increased, to 53.8 in March, up from 44.5 in February. Any score above 50 is considered growth-positive.
Despite the positive results in the index, including the March employment index hitting its highest level since July 2022, business confidence hit its lowest level in six months.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said that is likely due to uncertainty about tariffs.
“The Creighton survey is recording significant volatility, much like other regional economic measures. Proposed and implemented tariffs are not only producing economic volatility but are damaging supply managers’ economic outlook,” Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group and its College of Business, said in a news release. “This week’s tariff announcements by President Trump are expected to add to the economic uncertainty and volatility.”
Goss noted that about one out of every five supply managers expects improving business conditions over the next six months.