Economic growth will continue in Nebraska through the summer, according to the most recent leading economic indicator report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The indicator, a composite of economic factors that predict economic growth six months into the future, rose by 0.88 percent in March.

“Solid business confidence, rising manufacturing hours and growing airport passenger enplanements contributed to the rise in the leading indicator,” said economist Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the university.

Business expectations were especially strong as respondents to the March Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to expand sales and employment over the next six months.

Three components of the leading indicator declined during March. For the second consecutive month, there was a modest increase in the value of the U.S. dollar. A rising dollar creates competitive challenges for businesses that export.

“Building permits for single-family homes also declined during March on a seasonally adjusted basis,” Thompson said.

Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell slightly during March.

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.