Nebraska’s leading economic indicator rose during November, according to the most recent report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

 

The leading indicator, a composite of economic factors that predict economic growth six months into the future, rose by 0.32%. 

 

“The increase suggests that economic growth will continue in Nebraska during the first half of 2019,” said economist Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the university.

 

Business expectations were strong in Nebraska during November while initial claims for unemployment insurance fell.

 

There were, however, a few pockets of weakness in the Nebraska economy. Building permits for single-family homes declined while the value of the U.S. dollar rose. “These trends suggest emerging challenges for Nebraska’s manufacturing and construction industry,” said Thompson.