A survey of business executives suggests economic activity in the Midwest and Plains is still reflecting the national troubles, showing weak growth and job losses.

The August Mid-America survey report for the nine-state region said its overall economic index dipped to 51.4, down a tenth of a point from July.

The index ranges between 0 and 100. A score above 50 indicates a growing economy over the next three to six months.

Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss said he expects unemployment rates to continue to rise for the region.

Goss oversees the survey, which includes supply managers and business leaders in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.