The overall Mid-America Business Conditions Index in Kansas turned down to 74.8 from July’s record high of 78.5.

An index reading below 50 means manufacturing activity is slowing; above 50 indicates the industry is growing.

Components of the overall index were: new orders at a regional high 83.3, production at a regional high 87.5, employment at a regional high 79.2 and inventories at 58.3.

Companies in the durable goods sector continue to signal strong economic conditions. Fabricated metal product manufacturers and transportation equipment producers are experiencing solid new orders and increases in hiring. Not surprisingly, survey participants reported the strongest inflationary pressures with a prices-paid index of 95.8, said Ernie Goss, Creighton University economic professor.