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Nebraska’s Leading Economic Indicator increased in May, according to the most recent report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Designed to predict economic activity six months into the future, the Leading Economic Indicator rose by 0.26%.
"The monthly report suggests that the Nebraska economy will grow in the second half of the year," said economist Eric Thompson, department chair, K.H. Nelson College Professor of Economics and director of Bureau of Business Research.
The six components of Nebraska’s Leading Economic Indicator include business expectations, building permits for single-family homes, airline passenger counts, initial claims for unemployment insurance, the value of the U.S. dollar and manufacturing hours worked.
Four of six indicator components improved during May.
“Nebraska manufacturing hours-worked grew again in May, as Nebraska continues to benefit from strong demand for food products,” according to Thompson.
Business expectations also were positive. Respondents to the May survey reported plans to increase sales and employment over the next six months.
There was also a small increase in airline passenger counts during the month.
The full report and a technical report describing the indicators are available at the Bureau of Business Research website, https://bbr.unl.edu.
Published: July 3, 2024