Indexes for Arkansas, Oklahoma above 50 despite overall decline

OMAHA, Neb.— The Institute for Supply Management, formerly the Purchasing Management Association, began formally surveying its membership in 1931 to gauge business conditions.

The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group uses the same methodology as the national survey to consult supply managers and business leaders. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss oversees the report.

The overall index ranges between 0 and 100. Growth neutral is 50, and a figure greater than 50 indicates growth in that factor over the next three to six months.

Here are the state-by-state results for September:

Arkansas: The September overall index for Arkansas sank to 52.5 from August’s 58.7. Components of the index were new orders at 56.2, production or sales at 53.7, delivery lead time at 52.2, inventories at 52.6, and employment at 52.9. Over the past year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Arkansas employers increased the hourly work week by 1 percent, well above the regional median, and average hourly pay by 1.8 percent, well below the regional median, Goss said.

Oklahoma: The overall index for Oklahoma has now remained above 50 for the last 14 months. The overall index declined to a solid 57.6 from August’s 60.4. Components of the overall index were new orders at 60.1, production or sales at 58.0, delivery lead time at 56.4, inventories at 56.7, and employment at 56.6. Over the past year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Oklahoma employers decreased the hourly work week by 0.2 percent, well below the regional median, but increased average hourly pay by 3.4 percent, which was above the regional median, Goss said.