Nebraska’s leading economic indicator rose during October, according to the most recent report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The leading indicator, a composite of economic factors that predict economic growth six months into the future, increased by 0.51 percent.

“The leading indicator rebounded in October after a September decline,” said economist Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the university. “The increase in the leading indicator suggests that the Nebraska economy will grow at a moderate pace through the first quarter of 2019.”

Building permits for single-family homes and business expectations both improved during October. Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell.

“One concern for the Nebraska economy is the value of the U.S. dollar,” Thompson said. “The value of the U.S. dollar rose again during October, creating more competitive pressures for Nebraska businesses that export, including many agriculture and manufacturing businesses.”

The leading economic indicator report is produced monthly by faculty and students in the Bureau of Business Research in Nebraska’s College of Business.

Read the full report and a technical report describing the indicators.