Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: September 25, 2019

The Leading Economic Indicator – Nebraska (LEI-N) 1 fell by 1.89% during August of 2019. The drop in the LEI-N, which is designed to predict economic activity six months into the future, follows a sharp 2.51% increase during July. Taken together, results from the two months imply modest economic growth in Nebraska at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020. The leading indicator fell primarily due to a an increase in initial claims for unemployment insurance and a sharp increase in the value of the U.S. dollar. A rising dollar creates challenges for Nebraska busineses which export. Business expecations were one bright spot for the Nebraska economy. Respondents to the August Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase in sales and employment at their businesses over the next six months