OMAHA, N.E.(WNAX)- For a 10th straight month, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota and the Dakotas to Arkansas, remained above growth neutral.

Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, says the index dropped slightly.

Goss says many businesses are dealing with supply chain issues.

Goss says the jobs index is still growing.

Goss says looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the March Business Confidence Index, climbed to a solid 58.0 from February’s 50.0.