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March Survey: Nebraska Businesses Expectations Surge Again

March Survey: Nebraska Businesses Expectations Surge Again
Dr. Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research, reported business confidence rose from a value of 97.1 in February to 107.7 in March.

Nebraska business confidence surged again in March, according to the latest monthly survey from the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The Business Confidence Index – Nebraska rose from a value of 97.1 in February to 107.7 in March. The March reading is well above the neutral level of 100.

The index reflects both recent conditions and expectations about the next six months. The expectations component of the Business Confidence Index – Nebraska was especially strong, with a reading of 124.6 in March.   

“Strong expectations suggest that businesses are planning for rapid economic growth in Nebraska over the next six months,” said Dr. Eric Thompson, an economist who serves as Bureau director.  

The COVID-19 pandemic was mentioned by 21% 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, 17% indicated that the quality and availability of labor was their top concern while another 12% chose the cost of goods and services. Another 13% of businesses mentioned a challenge with operations, such as collecting fees or controlling expenses.

The surveys are sent each month to 500 randomly selected Nebraska businesses. During March, 93 businesses responded to the Survey of Nebraska Business, for a response rate of 19%.  

For more information, the full survey report is available on the Bureau of Business Research website, bbr.unl.edu.

Published: April 9, 2021