Survey shows jump in Midwest economic recovery

A January survey of business leaders in nine Midwest and Plains states suggests that the region's economy is picking up steam.

The Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America region made a healthy jump in January, to 54.7, up from December's 50.3 and November's 47.5.

The index ranges from zero to 100, and any score above 50 suggests economic growth in the next three to six months.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said in the report released Monday that "the likelihood of dipping back into recessionary territory has diminished significantly."

The Mid-America survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

--- On the Net: Creighton Economic Forecasting Group: http://www.outlook-economic.com (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)