Nebraska’s leading economic indicator rose slightly during September, according to the most recent report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
The leading indicator increased just 0.09% during the month.
“The Nebraska economy will continue to recover from the recession, but the pace of recovery is expected to slow over the winter,” said economist Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the university.
The leading indicator value was impacted by declines in manufacturing hours worked and building permits for single-family homes. It was the third-consecutive monthly decrease in manufacturing hours.
Other components of the leading indicator improved during September, Thompson said. Business expectations were positive, with respondents to the Survey of Nebraska Business reporting plans to increase employment and sales over the next six months. Initial claims for unemployment insurance also dropped, along with the value of the U.S. dollar. A weaker dollar improves the competitive position of Nebraska businesses that export. Finally, there was a modest improvement in airline passenger counts.
Read the full report and a technical report describing the indicators.
