In his December Mid-America Business Conditions Index Survey of Supply Managers, Creighton University Economics Professor Ernie Goss, PhD, said the overall index fell below growth neutral for a seventh time in 2024. Goss says the manufacturing sector could be classified as in a recession since it has been in negative territory with hiring below growth neutral. Overall, the U. S. economy lost 73,000 jobs in 2024 while the midwest region lost 4,500 jobs. South Dakota lost the most jobs while Nebraska gained the most jobs.
Goss says the economy is facing moderate inflationary pressures. He doesn’t expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at its January and March meetings.
