Consumer and business confidence rose in Nebraska during March, according to the latest monthly surveys from the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

 

In March, both business and consumer confidence settled at values between the peak levels seen in January and lower levels reached in February. 

 

Nebraska’s business confidence index rose to 110.4 in March from 107.4 in February, according to responses to the monthly Survey of Nebraska Business. Nebraska’s consumer confidence index, which is based on the monthly Survey of Nebraska Households, rose to a value of 106.8 in March from 101.6 in February. All values are well above the neutral level of 100.0, indicating strong business and consumer confidence.   

 

“March values reflect the strong consumer and business confidence in Nebraska during the first quarter of 2018,” said Dr. Eric Thompson, an economist who serves as bureau director.

 

The surveys also gathered information about the top issues faced by households and businesses. “Taxes were the most common concern of Nebraska households while businesses were most frequently concerned about customer demand, available labor force, and competition from other businesses,” said Thompson.

 

The surveys are sent each month to 500 randomly selected Nebraska businesses and households. During March, 139 businesses responded to the Survey of Nebraska Business, for a response rate of 28 percent. There were 153 responses to the Survey of Nebraska Households, for a response rate of 31 percent.