Survey Suggests Little Economic Growth in Midwest

FILE-In this Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, file photo, job applicants wait for the opening of a job fair held by National Career Fairs in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A spate of data released Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, painted a mixed picture of the U.S. economy. Demand for long-lasting manufactured goods fell and slightly fewer people signed contracts to buy homes. At the same time, the job market looked a little better. Taken together, the reports suggest the economy is growing only modestly and not quickly enough to spur much hiring.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

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By Kara Kelly

Story Created: Oct 1, 2012 at 9:12 AM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 1, 2012 at 10:37 AM CDT

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of business leaders suggests little or no economic growth in most of a group of nine Midwest and Plains states through the end of the year, but the booming oil business will continue to drive growth in North Dakota and Oklahoma.

The region's overall economic index improved to a weak 50.4 in September from August's 49.7.

Any score above 50 suggests economic growth in the months ahead while a score below 50 suggests decline for that factor.

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

By contrast with the overall index, North Dakota's economic index hit 61.6 in September and Oklahoma's registered 56.6.

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