OMAHA - The overall index for the Midwest improved in May to 43.5 from April's 35.1, but it remained in negative territory. The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score below 50 suggests decline. A score above 50 suggests growth.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said the survey shows that the coronavirus outbreak has had a greater impact on businesses tied directly to the consumer and a smaller impact on manufacturers. The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

Nebraska’s overall index for May rose to 43.9 from 36 in April. Components of the index: new orders at 32.9, production or sales at 34.1; delivery lead time at 61.2; inventories at 49.9; and employment at 41.3. Goss said the state’s unemployment rate increased from 4.2% in March to 8.6% in April. The state lost 86,000 jobs in that period.

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