Midwest survey suggests dour outlook for economy
(AP) - A survey of Midwest and Plains supply managers suggests they are dour about the regional economy over the next six months.
The confidence index of the Mid-America Business Conditions Survey plunged to a record low of 22.8 last month from an already gloomy 38.4 in September.
In the survey report released Monday, the overall index also plummeted, to 39.9 in October from 49.6 in September.
An index of 50.0 is considered growth-neutral.
Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, says the regional economy is clearly in a recession, and he expects the downturn to deepen.
Survey states are Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.