Iowa’s economy improved during the past month, according to the latest survey of business leaders and supply managers statewide. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says Iowa was in sound financial shape during December and there was a modest boost in January.
Goss says the index is up from last month and shows “pretty good growth” in Iowa, particularly in agricultural machinery manufacturing, and he projects robust growth in the state in the coming months. Goss offers one disclaimer, saying high interest rates and high oil prices will cut into some of that growth, meaning, the Iowa economy won’t be as strong as it was a year ago.
As for job prospects, Goss says the health care and education industries look promising. He says the non-durable goods area is “softer” while durable goods manufacturing is looking very good as they relate to exports, which are picking up, in part due to the port at New Orleans getting back into shape and helping some Iowa companies.