OMAHA, N.E.(KELO)- Creighton University’s monthly Rural Mainstreet Index is in negative territory for the sixth straight month.

Economist, Dr. Ernie Goss, says the survey shows community bankers concerned about future months.

Higher interest rates, weak commodity prices and a credit squeeze are the major headwinds to the economy.

South Dakota is one of the few bright spots in Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Economic Index.

That’s a 10-state regional survey of community bankers.

Overall, the bankers are pessimistic about economic growth during the next six months.

Economist, Dr. Ernie Goss, says South Dakota is one of the few states in the region showing economic improvement from last month.

One of the main concerns of the regional bankers…commodity prices are low, with corn prices running lower than the break-even price in some areas.