The Midwest economy shows signs of "positive but slow growth" in the latest Mid-America Business Conditions Index by Creighton University.March numbers showed a 4-point increase over February, marking the third straight month of increase in Creighton's index, and suggesting growth supported by lower inflationary pressures. "While it's too early to tell if the Federal Reserve is achieving its 'soft landing,' results from Creighton's surveys over the last several months are somewhat promising," said Dr. Ernie Goss, director of Creighton's Economic Forecasting Group. Goss noted, however, the inflation reading still sends a negative signal toward financial markets and the Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook.And 58% of supply managers asked in the survey still anticipate a recession in 2023. Some noted manufacturing is slow because of excess inventory fueled by inflationCreighton's survey reported 47.8% of supply managers reported an adequate number of applicants for job openings.The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group surveys supply managers each month in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.