Economic Outlook
Recent Survey Results
Mid-America Manufacturing Index Points to Solid Growth
Despite Job Losses and Highest Inflation Reading in Four Years
May 2026 Survey Highlights:
- The overall index moved above growth neutral for a fourth straight month.
- The nine-state region lost manufacturing jobs for the 10th time in the past 12 months.
- Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska accounted for approximately 83.3% of the manufacturing jobs lost in the past 12 months.
- The May price gauge climbed to its highest level in almost four years, reducing the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate cut in 2026.
- Approximately, 81% of supply managers indicated that the Iran War was putting upward pressure on input prices.
- Trade, both exports and imports, pulled back for May.
