Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: March 18, 2016

The Leading Economic Indicator – Nebraska (LEI-N) rose by 0.91% in February 2016. The increase in the LEI-N, which predicts economic growth in the state six months in the future, suggests that economic growth will be solid in Nebraska during the summer of 2016. Five of the six components of the LEI-N improved during February. Business expectations were positive. Respondents to the February Survey of Nebraska Business predicted growth in employment at their businesses over the next 6 months. Initial claims for unemployment insurance also fell during February, in a sign of strength for the labor market. There also was an increase in airline passenger counts and building permits for single-family homes. Finally, for the first time in several months, there was a drop in the value of the U.S. dollar during February. This provides relief to export-oriented businesses in Nebraska. Manufacturing hours was the only declining components of the LEI-N