By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
Omaha, Neb. – An economic survey of nine Midwest and Plains suggests the region's economy will recover only weakly this year.
The Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America region rose above growth neutral last month, reaching 50.3, compared with 47.5 in November.
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 although the region's overall job market has stabilized, the manufacturing sector is still losing jobs.
The Mid-America survey covers Missouri and eight other states.