OMAHA, Neb. (WNAX) – The April Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, fell from March but still signals growth for the region over the next three to six months.

Ernie Goss is director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group.

This marks the 29th straight month the index has remained above growth neutral 50.0.

Goss says as a result of worker shortages, the April employment index fell to a tepid 51.1 from March’s solid 56.4.

Goss says other outside factors also have a regional impact.

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the April Business Confidence Index, advanced to a healthy 62.2 from March’s 57.2.