Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index fell below growth neutral for the third consecutive month. Led by Dr. Ernie Goss, the index surveys bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The April reading improved to a weak 47.9 from March’s 40.9. It’s the 14th time since January 2025 that the index landed below growth neutral. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral.