A report that tracks the economy in Iowa and eight other midwest states showsimprovement in one of its key indicators. Economist Ernie Goss conducts thesurvey for Creighton University. He says the raw materials purchased arecheaper and showing less inflationary pressure.Goss says a decrease in inflation could keep the Federal Reserve Board fromraising interest rates later this month. Goss says another positive showsbusinesses are stocking up on product in fear of shortages brought on by Y2Kproblems.Goss says Iowa’s economy remains the strongest among the states in thesurvey. He says Iowa’s index did drop, but not enough to create a concern.He says the positives continue to outweight the negatives in Iowa’s economy.Goss says the influx of money from the just completed emergency farm aidbill should help boost the Ag economy.