Slow Growth Likely in 9 Midwest, Plains States

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The temporary resolution of the budget stalemate in Washington D.C. has made business leaders more optimistic in nine Midwest and Plains states, but only modest economic growth is expected in the near future.

The monthly survey's overall economic index crept up to 51.2 in November. That's just above the growth-neutral 50 score recorded in October.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says business leaders are feeling more optimistic after the nation's leaders agreed to a temporary fiscal deal that ended the partial government shutdown on October.

The region's employment index rebounded to 51.2 in November from October's 48.2.

The region's heavy manufacturers reported solid increases in new export orders in November.

States included in the survey are Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

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