Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: September 18, 2015

The Leading Economic Indicator – Nebraska (LEI-N) rose by 0.31% in August 2015, for a fifth consecutive monthly increase. The increase in the LEI-N, which predicts economic growth in the state six months in the future, indicates consistent economic growth in Nebraska through the end of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016. The LEI-N rose because of strength in business expectations and the labor market. Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell sharply in Nebraska during August, indicating strength in the labor market. Further respondents to the monthly Survey of Nebraska Business were positive about sales and employment growth over the next six months. Among other components of the leading indicator, there was a drop in building permits for single-family homes and a modest decline in manufacturing hours and passenger enplanements. There also was a sharp increase in the value of the U.S. dollar. A rising dollar discourages growth of agriculture and manufacturing businesses