OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The overall index in a new monthly survey matches the previous index and also suggests the economy will continue growing at a slow pace in rural areas of 10 Midwest and Plains states.
The report for the Rural Mainstreet Index was released Thursday and says the index remained unchanged at 54.3 in November.
The index is based on surveys of rural bankers in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. It ranges from 0 to 100, with 50 representing growth neutral. A score above 50 suggests growth in that factor in the months ahead.
The confidence index, which reflects expectations for the economy six months out, rose to a still weak 48.3 from 44.7 in October.
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