A majority of Iowa Business Council members expect to sustain or increase employment over the next six months, while sales and capital spending plans remain unchanged for the state’s largest employers, the Iowa Business Council reported Monday.

The Council’s economic outlook survey for the second quarter found an overall index of 67, two points higher than last quarter and three points ahead of this time last year. The second-quarter index was just a point shy of the record high of 68 set in 2012. The record low was 35.3 in 2009.

The survey was completed by the corporate members of the council during the second half of May.

The sales index was 69, the same as last quarter and a point ahead of the same quarter in 2014. All of the CEOs indicated they expect steady or increased sales over the next six months.

The capital spending index was 62, unchanged from the past quarter but two points above last year. Ninety percent of corporate members expect steady or increased capital spending levels through November.

The employment picture was even stronger, with an index of 69. That is seven points above the past quarter, and six points higher than last year. All of the respondents expected steady or higher employment in the next six months, with 60 percent expecting increases.

“A strong employment index outcome suggests the Iowa economy is reaching a comfortable stride in most industry segments,” said Mike Wells, president and CEO of Wells Enterprises in Le Mars and chairman of the Iowa Business Council. “The sustained optimism we are seeing in sales usually drives positive expectations for employment and capital spending.” Read more