An Omaha economist says a December survey in nine Midwest and Plains states suggests that the region’s economy will recover weakly over 2010.

The Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America region rose above growth neutral last month, reaching 50.3, compared with 47.5 in November.

The index ranges from zero to 100, and any score above 50 suggests economic growth in the next three to six months.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said in a report released Monday that although the region’s overall job market has stabilized, the manufacturing sector is still losing jobs.

The Mid-America survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.