OMAHA, Neb. (WNAX) – The September Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota and the Dakotas to Arkansas, fell below growth neutral for a second straight month.

Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group compiles the monthly numbers.

Goss says there are several outside factors having an impact.

The September employment index increased to a weak 46.7 from August’s 45.1, which was the lowest in 34 months.

Goss says that is partly a reflection of the slowing economy.

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the September Business Confidence Index, improved slightly to 47.7 from August’s 45.0, a 35-month low for the confidence reading.