OMAHA, N.E.(KELO)- The regional manufacturing economy ventured into positive territory in October…but not by much.

Creighton University’s Mid-America Manufacturing Index advanced, even as manufacturing jobs declined.

Creighton Economist, Dr. Ernie Goss, says the sector has been stuck in neutral all year.

With the overall economy cooling and inflation easing, Goss expects the Federal Reserve Board to cut short term interest rates by a quarter of a percent when it meets next week.