A majority of Iowa Business Council members expect their sales to rise in the next six months.

The first quarter Overall Economic Outlook Survey Index was 65 – the same as last quarter and three points ahead of this time last year. The survey was conducted in the second half of February.

The sales index for the period was 69, which is the same as last quarter and one point higher than a year ago. Eighty percent of the CEOs expect higher sales in the next six months, with 15 percent anticipating steady sales and 5 percent expecting a decrease.

The spending index was 62, three points lower than last quarter but one point above the same quarter last year. Forty-five percent of respondents expect higher capital spending.

The employment outlook improved. The index was 62, one point ahead of three months ago and five points higher than this time last year. Fifty-five percent expect hiring levels to increase, and 40 percent expect steady employment. The rest anticipate a drop in employment needs.

“A rising employment index number bodes well for sustained economic activity throughout most Iowa industry segments,” said Mike Wells, president and CEO of Wells Enterprises Inc. in Le Mars and 2015 chair of the Iowa Business Council.  “Expectations for a strong year in sales and capital spending is also materializing for many Iowa Business Council member companies.”