Higher interest rates and energy costs cooled growth and lowered confidence last month in the Mid-America region’s economy, says a monthly survey of supply managers and business leaders in the nine-state region.

The region’s overall index in the Mid-America Business Conditions Survey was 58.3, down from 59.9 in September, while the confidence index dropped to 45.5 – its lowest mark since September of 2001.

“Supply disruptions from hurricanes in the Gulf, a jump in energy costs and rising short-term interest rates have certainly played a major role in the decline in confidence among supply managers and business leaders in the region,” Ernie Goss, a Creighton University economics professor, said on Tuesday.

The overall index ranges between 0 and 100. An index number of 50 or higher indicates an expansionary economy during the next three to six months.