Bureau of Business Research

 

Date of this Version

2-2-2018

Document Type

Article

Citation

Prepared by the UNL College of Business, Bureau of Business Research

Comments

Copyright 2018 Eric Thompson, Bureau of Business Research

Abstract

Consumer and business confidence rebounded in Nebraska during January 2018. The Consumer Confidence Index – Nebraska (CCI-N) rose to 115.2, well above the neutral level of 100.0 and a value of 93.3 in December 2017. This is the highest level recorded for the CCI-N since it was first released in February of 2016. The Business Confidence Index – Nebraska (BCI-N) rose to 112.2 in January from 107.5 in December. Both monthly readings were well above the neutral value of 100.0. When asked about the most important issue facing their business, customer demand was mentioned by 40 percent of respondents. The availability and quality of labor was mentioned by 13 percent of January respondents while competition from other businesses was cited by 12 percent. As in other recent months, respondents citing competition were particularly concerned about competition from on-line businesses. Households reported a variety of financial concerns with 46 percent choosing the cost of living including taxes, health care costs, major expenses (furniture, appliances, automobiles) and the general cost of living. Twenty percent reported that their primary financial issue was either paying off debt or saving.

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