Lang
1/3/26
The state of Iowa took a downturn according to economic data released by Creighton University.
For the fourth time in the past six months, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, moved below growth neutral.
The regional BCI, which ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral, fell to 47.6, its lowest reading for 2025, and down from 49.5 in November.
Iowa’s BCI for December dropped to 44.6 from November’s regional high of 52.1. Components of the overall December Iowa index were: new orders at 41.3; production at 45.9; delivery lead time at 49.3; employment at 38.3; and inventories at 48.0.
Iowa manufacturing exports for the first three quarters of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, fell from $11.5 billion in 2024 to $10.5 billion in 2025 for a 9.0% decline.
Survey results for the month of January will be released on the first business day of February.