Economic Outlook Survey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2019

RELEASE: Iowa Business Council Economic Outlook Wanes with Uncertain Trade and Political Environment

DES MOINES – Iowa Business Council today released its Q3 2019 Economic Outlook Survey – a composite of members expectations for sales, capital spending and employment for the next six months. Confidence weakened among Iowa business leaders, likely due to political and global market uncertainty and a disruptive regulatory climate.

While over 75 percent of Iowa Business Council members expect higher sales in the upcoming six months, capital spending and employment expectations are mixed. The survey's overall index number is down from last quarter (from 63.75 to 62.5), its lowest point since Q4 of 2016. The index number is a numeric measure that gauges business sentiment with any number over 50 indicating a positive perspective of the economy.

"Our members cite the trade war and an uncertain geopolitical climate as the leading major disruptors for their growth," Georgia Van Gundy, executive director of the Iowa Business Council, explained. "Iowa Business Council members have been working for the past several months to urge Congress to pass the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement to provide market stability."

To review the full release, check the 2019 third quarter Economic Outlook Survey.

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