Survey suggests slight rebound in Midwest economic growth

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A new report says that an October survey of business supply managers suggests a bump occurred in economic growth for nine Midwest and Plains states.
The report issued on Friday says that the Mid-America Business Conditions index rebounded to 52.6, compared with 49.1 in September. The August figure was 49.3. The index had remained above growth neutral for 32 straight months.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says that trade disagreements and the global economic slowdown have slowed regional growth.
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.