State economic indicator PMI shows growth

For the third straight month, Mis-souri's Purchasing Managers' Index has posted an increase.

The PMI score in March rose to 59.4, up from 53.3 in February. This is the second consecutive month that the score has been above 50, which is considered an indication of an expanding economy for the next three to six months, according to the Missouri Department of Eco-nomic Development.

"This is continued good news for Missouri and yet another sign that a better economy is on the horizon," said Joseph Driskill, director of the Missouri DED. Driskill said that strong new or-ders, production and employment im-proved the state's score.

Nationally, the PMI increased to 55.6, up from 54.7 in February.

The Purchasing Managers' Index is part of a monthly survey conducted by Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. It measures such factors as new orders, production, suppliers delivery times, backlogs, inventories, prices, employment, import orders and exports.