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

Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, says they saw good growth.

Goss says job trends are also improving.

Goss says the approval of two trade deals also improved the business outlook.

Looking ahead six months, Goss says economic optimism, as captured by the January Business Confidence Index, climbed to 58.8 from December’s 57.6.

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