Business Conditions Index grows for Missouri, Kansas

For an eleventh straight month, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region moved into growth territory.          

The Business Conditions Index, which ranges between 0 and 100, soared to its highest level since initiation of the survey almost three decades ago. The index climbed to 73.9 from March’s very strong 68.9.

“In March and April of last year, the region lost 106,000 manufacturing jobs. However, since bottoming in April of last year, Mid-America has added 58,000 manufacturing jobs. Creighton’s monthly survey results indicate that the region is adding manufacturing business activity at a healthy pace, and that growth will remain strong well into the second half of 2021,” Ernie Goss, PhD, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group said.

Kansas’ Business Conditions Index in April climbed to 75.0 from March’s 67.3. “Compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas manufacturing employment is down 12,400 jobs, or 7.3%, while average hourly manufacturing wages are 1.1% higher,” Goss said.

The April Business Conditions Index for Missouri rose to 73.2 from 70.5 in March. “Compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri manufacturing employment is down 6,800 jobs, or 2.5%, while average hourly manufacturing wages are 0.7% higher,” Goss said.