Creighton University reports that strength in manufacturing has sent the Mid-America Business Conditions Index to its highest level in a dozen years. 

The index hit 64.5 in April, up from 62.1 in March and 59.7 in February. Anything over 50 suggests growth. 

Creighton economist Ernie Goss said exports have driven a surge in manufacturing. 

Meanwhile, the news from the Iowa Department of Revenue, which compiles an index of economic indicators, wasn’t quite as upbeat.

The department’s Iowa Leading Indicators Index decreased 0.3 percentage point to 108.5 in March 2018 from 108.8 in February, the second consecutive monthly decline, according to a release. The annualized six-month change decreased to 1.3 percent in March from 2.9 percent in February.

With two of eight components making a positive contribution, the monthly diffusion index decreased to 31.3 in March from a revised 43.8 in February, reflecting a downward change in manufacturing hours in March. The six-month diffusion index decreased to 68.8 in March after five consecutive months of registering at 75. 

Residential building permits, the Iowa stock market index, the national yield spread, diesel fuel consumption, the agricultural futures profits index and average manufacturing hours all were a drag on the index in March. Read the report here.