Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: February 21, 2014

Authors

Eric Thompson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
William Walstad, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Shannon McClure, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mihdi Vahedi, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2-2014

Document Type

Article

Comments

Prepared by the UNL College of Business Administration, Department of Economics

Abstract

The Leading Economic Indicator – Nebraska (LEI-N) decreased by 0.95% during January 2014. The decrease in the LEI-N, which predicts economic growth in the state six months in the future, follows a strong increase in December 2013. Taken together, LEI-N results for the last two months suggest continued improvement in the Nebraska economy, specifically moderate growth in mid-2014. Five of six components of the leading economic indicator declined during January. There was a decline in building permits and airline passengers. Initial unemployment claims increased slightly in January, a negative sign for the labor market. There was a modest decline in business expectations. Respondents to the Survey of Nebraska Business predicted an decrease in sales at their business over the next six month. Manufacturing hours, however, did increase in January.