Rural Economy Continues to Under Perform

For the 17th time in the past 18 months, Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral in February, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The region’s February reading slumped to 38.0 from 42.3 in January. A reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral. Only 9 percent of rural bankers expect positive outcomes from President Trump’s tariff actions.