OMAHA, Neb. (WNAX) – The May Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index improved from April but is still at a recessionary level.

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

Goss says this recession has hit consumer spending harder.

Goss says the May employment index continued to indicate job losses, but at a slower pace than in April.

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the May Business Confidence Index, rebounded to 56.6 from April’s weak 45.5.