A new survey of business leaders suggests little or no economic growth in most of a group of nine Midwest and Plains states through the end of the year, but the booming oil business will continue to drive growth in North Dakota and Oklahoma.

The region's overall economic index improved to a weak 50.4 in September from August's 49.7.

Any score above 50 suggests economic growth in the months ahead while a score below 50 suggests decline for that factor.

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

By contrast with the overall index, North Dakota's economic index hit 61.6 in September and Oklahoma's registered 56.6.