Led by gains in the manufacturing sector, the Midwest Economy Index (MEI) increased to +0.83 in April from +0.79 in March. April marked the highest level of the index since March 1995 and the seventh consecutive month that Midwest economic growth was above its historical trend. In addition, Midwest growth continued to outperform its historical deviation with respect to national growth, as the relative MEI increased to +1.06 in April from +0.81 in the previous month.