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News Brief

Feb. 10, 2025Omaha, Neb. |  By: Jeremy Werner

Midwest economic indicator shows positive signs

economy

OMAHA, Neb. - The Mid-America Manufacturing Economy is starting 2025 on a positive note, with the Creighton University Business Conditions Index rising above growth neutral for just the third time since July.

The index, which measures economic health in nine Midwest states, including our four-state region, climbed to 51.1 in January, up from 48.7 in December.

Employment also saw an uptick, marking the first job gains in the region’s manufacturing sector after a year of losses. However, concerns over tariffs are driving firms to stockpile inventory, leading to record-high imports.

Wholesale price inflation remains modest but continues to rise, prompting economists to predict that the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady at its next meeting in March.

Business confidence is also up, with half of supply managers expecting improved conditions in the next six months. Despite the gains, trade challenges persist.

While exports saw a slight increase overall in 2024, the strong U.S. dollar continues to make American goods less competitive abroad.