Nebraska

Nebraska:  The April Business Conditions Index for Nebraska remained above growth neutral 50.0 for the 18th consecutive month.  The index advanced slightly to 53.5 from March’s 53.0. Components of the index were new orders at 52.4, production or sales at 53.9, delivery lead time at 54.9, inventories at 52.0, and employment at 54.3. “Firms in Nebraska are reporting much slower but positive growth with less new hiring and little change in the average hourly work week.  On the other hand, durable goods manufacturers, such as metal producers, continue to expand in the state.  Based on our survey results, I expect Nebraska’s growth to slow but remain positive in the months ahead,” said Goss.