OMAHA, N.E.(KCCR)- The Mid-America Business Conditions Index is getting closer to growth neutral following two months of decline.  Creighton University economist Dr. Ernie Goss says the September reading grew to 50 on a zero to 100 scale from 49-point-five in August.

Fifty is considered growth neutral on the scale with readings above indicating growth and below, decline.  Goss says hiring, on a regional basis within the nine-state Mid-America region in September wasn’t great.

Inflation continues to be a concern.

South Dakota’s index rose from 43-point-four in August to 49-point-eight in September.