Arkansas’ economic conditions declined slightly in May compared to April, but remained in a growth trend despite continued job losses in the manufacturing sector, according to the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index.
The overall index for the nine-state region that stretches from Arkansas to Minnesota was 54.4 in May, below the 56 in April but “above growth neutral” for the fourth consecutive month. An index number above 50 indicates economic growth.
The May employment index sank to 47.0 from 50.2 in April and 50.7 in March. The region lost manufacturing jobs for the 10th time in the past 12 months. Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska accounted for approximately 83.3% of the manufacturing jobs lost in the past 12 months, according to the index report posted Monday (June 1)…