OMAHA, Neb. (WNAX) – The November Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, sank below growth neutral to its lowest level in three years.

Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, says the index took a sharp dip.

Goss says the employment index also tumbled.

Goss says the ongoing trade war is also being felt by businesses in the region.

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the November Business Confidence Index, climbed to 52.9 from October’s very weak 47.3.