(Omaha, Ne)– Economic growth slowed in Iowa and in the Midwest during August, according to the latest survey of supply managers in nine states.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says while the numbers slipped on the Business Conditions Index at the state and regional levels, both remained above growth neutral for the 27th straight month. Still, he says the forecast remains cloudy and the economy remains “painful” for a lot of consumers and businesses.
Hiring during August dropped compared to July, while inflation rates remain punishingly high.
Goss says they asked supply managers to identify the biggest challenges moving forward in 2022, with most of them naming supply chain disruptions — others cited labor shortages, inflation, and higher interest rates.
