January 22, 2020

Nebraska indicator: Strong business expectations suggest further growth

.
Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Nebraska’s leading economic indicator rose during December, according to the most recent report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The leading indicator, a composite of economic factors that predict economic growth six months into the future, rose by 1.1%.

“The December increase implies moderate economic growth in Nebraska through June 2020,” said economist Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the university.

The leading indicator primarily rose due to strong business expectations, Thompson said.

Respondents to the December Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales and employment over the next six months.

A rebound in building permits for single-family homes also contributed to the rising indicator.

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.

Video: Eric Thompson discusses the December leading economic indicator report