OMAHA, Neb. — Higher grain prices, low interest rates and growing exports are contributing to a strong economy in rural parts of 10 Western and Plains states, according to a new survey of bankers. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who conducts the survey, noted, however, that business still lags behind pre-pandemic levels. Goss’ new data shows a healthy 72.9 points on a scale with 50 as the break between growth and shrinkage. The month before the score was slightly stronger at 76.7. A factor in the continuing strength, Goss said, was federal stimulus checks. Jobs in the 10-state region were still 184,000 fewer than before the pandemic began, he said.
Goss. His monthly fingers-on-the-economy pulse looking good.