The “Iowa Leading Indicators Index” indicates “positive change” in the state’s economy.
The index is compiled by staff in the Iowa Department of Revenue. Stats for June have just been released and the Index showed slight improvement in a number of economic indicators.
According to the report, the number of hours worked in Iowa’s manufacturing plants in June was five percent higher than the same month a year ago. Manufacturers also reported an increase in new orders in June.
State officials who crunch the numbers also say the Iowa housing market “appears to be in recovery” and the number of unemployment insurance claims in Iowa fell in June. It’s the 32nd consecutive month in which there’s been a drop.
The state’s ag economy and uncertainty about the global economy were cited as negative influences on Iowa’s economy, but officials say the data suggests “Iowa employment growth will remain positive into the fall.”