Nebraska’s leading economic indicator rose modestly in June, according to the most recent report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The indicator, designed to predict economic activity six months into the future, expanded by 0.68%.

“The June increase followed a decline in the indicator during May, suggesting slow economic growth in Nebraska over the next six months,” said economist Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research and K.H. Nelson Professor of Economics.

The six components of Nebraska’s leading economic indicator include business expectations, building permits for single-family homes, airline passenger counts, initial claims for unemployment insurance, the value of the U.S. dollar and manufacturing hours worked.

Video: Eric Thompson discusses the June leading economic indicator report

The leading indicator improved for two primary reasons. First, there was an increase in manufacturing hours worked during June.

“Necessities such as food processing account for a large share of the Nebraska manufacturing industry, implying that demand will persist even as national economic growth slows,” Thompson said.

Second, Nebraska businesses remain confident about the future. Respondents to the June Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales and employment over the next six months.

“The small businesses that respond to the Survey of Nebraska Business continue to see opportunities to expand, despite rising interest rates, supply chain issues, high energy prices and other challenges facing the Nebraska economy,” Thompson said.

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