An Economic Slowdown-Not A Downturn-Is Underway

Authors

Charles Lamphear, Bureau of Business Research (BBR)

Date of this Version

3-1999

Citation

Business in Nebraska vol. 54, no. 638

Comments

Copyright 1999 by Bureau of Business Research, University of Nebraska.

Abstract

The latest Nebraska Quarterly Business Conditions Survey (NQBCS) for 4^th quarter 1998 shows that the percent of businesses reporting revenue gains over year-ago levels was down from comparable 3^rd quarter survey results. The percent of businesses that expect 1^st quarter 1999 revenues to exceed 1^st quarter 1998 levels was down even more. An increasing number of businesses, especially those located in the state's non-metro regions, are seeing little or no growth in business revenues, and they expect this situation to continue through at least 1^st quarter 1999. But, the percent of respondents statewide that reported an actual decline in business revenues for 4^th quarter compared to year ago levels remained virtually unchanged. In short, the latest survey results indicate a moderate slowdown, not a downturn, in the state's economy that is mostly limited to the non-metro regions, at present. The state's economy should continue to grow, but at a slower rate.

Regional Composition