Led by gains in the manufacturing sector, the Midwest Economy Index (MEI) increased to +0.78 in March from +0.39 in February. March marked the highest level of the index since December 1999 and the sixth 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 +0.62 in March from +0.26 in the previous month.