Skip to main content
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Search

Full Article

Visit Apply Give

February Survey: Nebraska Businesses Expectations Moderate

February Survey: Nebraska Businesses Expectations Moderate
Dr. Eric Thompson, director of the BBR, reported business confidence fell from a value of 119.3 in January to 111.7 in February.

The expectations component of the Business Confidence Index - Nebraska (BCI-N) fell from a value of 119.3 in January to 111.7 in February.

“Moderate expectations suggest that businesses are planning for economic growth in Nebraska over the next six months, but not the rapid growth implied by January expectations,” said Dr. Eric Thompson, an economist who serves as Bureau director.

With lower expectations, the overall Business Confidence Index – Nebraska fell below the neutral level of 100 in February, to a level of 97.1. The overall BCI-N index also includes the recent conditions sub-index, which reflects the change in sales and employment during recent months. “With the exception of January, the overall BCI-N has been below the neutral level of 100 for every month since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The COVID-19 pandemic was mentioned by 28% of business respondents as their top business concern. Another 23% of businesses focused on customer demand without specifically mentioning COVID-19. Supply issues also were a factor. Of responding businesses, 10% indicated that the cost of goods and services was their top concern while another 10% choose the quality and availability of labor.

The surveys are sent each month to 500 randomly selected Nebraska businesses. During February, 103 businesses responded to the Survey of Nebraska Business, for a response rate of 21%.

Published: March 12, 2021