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Steady Improvement in Nebraska’s Leading Economic Indicator

Moderate Economic Growth Expected Through Summer of 2022
Steady Improvement in Nebraska’s Leading Economic Indicator
The Nebraska Leading Economic Indicator increased in January by 0.58%, suggesting moderate economic growth in Nebraska through the summer of 2022.

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Nebraska’s leading economic indicator rose in January, according to the most recent report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The indicator, which is designed to predict economic activity six months into the future, increased 0.58%.

“The indicator has improved steadily for four consecutive months, suggesting moderate economic growth in Nebraska through the summer,” 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.

Respondents to the January Survey of Nebraska Businesses reported plans to increase sales and employment over the next six months.

“With demand growing, businesses remain confident about growth despite supply chain challenges,” Thompson said. “The Nebraska economy also benefits from a strong labor market.”

There was another decline in initial claims for unemployment insurance during January.

“Also, Nebraska businesses competing in international markets benefited from a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar. A falling U.S. dollar helps Nebraska businesses meet the prices of international competitors,” Thompson said.

The full report and a technical report describing the indicators are available at the Bureau of Business Research website, https://bbr.unl.edu.

 
Published: February 23, 2022