Among nondurable goods manufacturers
The survey index averages indexes of economic indicators on a scale of 0 to 100, with any number above 50 demonstrating economic growth.
In Nebraska, the October index fell to 50.3 from 51.8 a month ago. Goss cited improvement among nondurable goods manufacturers like food processors that tempered declines among makers of durable goods.
In Iowa, the index fell to 51.4 from 51.5 in September on weaker manufacturing production.
Other states in the survey were Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
Regionally, new export orders slipped from the previous month.
Goss said he expects exports will continue to soften in the coming months as the U.S. dollar increases in relative value, but he noted the employment picture isn’t as dire as it might seem.
At present, the nine-state region has a record number of workers, he said, noting that many employers are extending work hours and using temporary workers instead of full-time hires.
Additionally, economic optimism improved in October over September’s reading.
“Despite weaker economic conditions in the regional energy and agriculture sectors, improvements in the national and regional job market supported supply managers’ business outlook,” Goss said.