The road of Iowa’s economy developed a few potholes during September, but overall continued to provide a mostly-smooth ride, according to the latest survey from Creighton University. Economist Ernie Goss says the month held some bumps and bounces for Iowa. Goss says the September survey of business leaders and supply managers in Iowa found the economy solidly expanding, though down slightly from the August numbers. With summer over and many temporary workers headed back to school, Dr. Goss says the economic dip was more-or-less not a surprise. While there was a decline, he says Iowa’s economic index is still well ahead of the numbers from a year ago and overall it was a good month. Now that we’re into October, Goss says retailers will be looking at the year-end sales to boost their books and he says the Christmas shopping season looks promising, so far. Goss predicts the Christmas season ahead will bring Iowa retailers a modest increase in sales, four or five-percent, which he says is good but not as good as last year’s holiday season boost. Goss says Iowa’s economy is seeing a slight cool-off, which he blames on the continued high costs of oil.
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