Credit Pxfuel
A regional economic indicator shows strong growth continuing in a nine-state area that includes Oklahoma.
The Mid-America Business Conditions Index hit 69.6 in February, its highest since October and second-highest since April 2004. Numbers above 50 on the 0–100 scale indicate economic growth. Creighton University Economist Ernie Goss said that mark comes as the economy is still another 3% to 4% below pre-COVID levels. The Biden stimulus package, $1.9 trillion, but much of that – not all of that’s in 2021. That’s going to really kick this economy along, along with the rollout of the vaccine. That’s the most important factor, Goss said.
Oklahoma stayed in growth territory in February, but its state index of 67.1 is sixth in the nine-state region.
For the fourth time in the past five months, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above growth neutral, with the overall index for February rose to 53.8 from January’s 52.0 According to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region including Nebraska, the index increased to its highest level [.]