Economy
Chicago Business Barometer Rebounds in September
Written by Sandy Williams
November 1, 2015
The Chicago Business Barometer gained 7.5 points to register 56.2 in October. The bounceback was due mainly from strong gains in production and new orders. All three indicators were at their highest reading since January of this year. On a three month moving average the Barometer was 53.1, up 15.4 percent from September.
Production leapt 20 points to 63.4 while new orders gained 10 points, jumping to 59.4. Inventories grew significantly as a result of increased production output.
Declines were seen in Order Backlogs, Employment and Supplier Deliveries.
Chief Economist of MNI Indicators Philip Uglow said, “The disappointing September data look more like an aberration than the start of a trend, and the October results mark a good start to the final quarter of the year. Respondents were optimistic that orders will continue to pick-up, consistent with an acceleration in economic activity in Q4.”
The Chicago Business Barometer is an economic indicator based on surveys of purchasing/supply chain professionals in the Chicago area. A monthly publication of MNI Indicators and the Institute for Supply Management, the index is based on responses of manufacturing and non-manufacturing firms who primarily are members of ISM. An index reading above 50 indicates expansion while a number below 50 indicates contraction.
Below is a graph showing the history of the Chicago Business Barometer. You will need to view the graph on our website to use it’s interactive features, you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance with either logging in or navigating the website, please contact our office at 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
Sandy Williams
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