OMAHA, Nebraska — The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a key economic indicator for a nine-state region including Minnesota and Iowa, dropped below growth neutral for the fourth time in six months.
This marks the lowest reading of 2025, at 47.6, down from 49.5 in November. Ernie Goss, Director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, said the regional manufacturing economy is moving sideways to lower, with the wholesale inflation gauge moderating.
Supply managers reported weaknesses in both imports and exports. The employment index for December fell to 44.0, marking the ninth consecutive month below growth neutral and the lowest since May 2024. Supply managers expect a 3% salary increase over the next year,…
