Survey shows business leaders optimistic despite coronavirus

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey in a nine-state region of the Midwest and Plains suggests that business leaders are optimistic that the economy will start to recover later this year despite the ongoing impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

The region’s overall economic index improved in May to 43.5 from April’s 35.1. The confidence index in the survey released on Monday improved to suggest that businesses are optimistic that the economy will begin to rebound within the next six months. That index improved to 56.6 in May from April’s weak 45.5 reading. Any score above 50 suggests economic growth, while scores below 50 suggest decline. The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.