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Nebraska Indicator: Economic Growth Through Summer 2018

Economic growth will continue in Nebraska through the summer of 2018, according to the most recent leading economic indicator report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 
 
The indicator, a composite of economic factors that predict economic growth six months into the future, rose by 0.88 percent in March of 2018. 
 
April 2018 Leading Economic Indicator Nebraska
April 2018 Leading Economic Indicator Nebraska
“Solid business confidence, rising manufacturing hours, and growing airport passenger enplanements contributed to the rise in the leading indicator,” said economist Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the university. Business expectations were especially strong as respondents to the March Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to expand sales and employment over the next six months. 
 
Three components of the leading indicator declined during March. For the second consecutive month, there was a modest increase in the value of the U.S. dollar during March. A rising dollar creates competitive challenges for businesses which export. “Building permits for single family homes also declined during March on a seasonally-adjusted basis,” Thompson said. Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell slightly during March.
 
Published: April 25, 2018