OMAHA, Neb. (WNAX) – The May 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 to a still solid reading signaling positive, but slowing, growth for the region over the next three to six months.

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

Goss says there are some big factors impacting the regional economy.

As a result of continuing worker shortages, the May employment index settled at  52.2, but up from April’s tepid 51.1.

Goss says job growth continues to be a problem area.

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the May Business Confidence Index, slumped to 54.5 from April’s 62.2, but still in positive territory.