Economy

Chicago Business Barometer Climbs in January

January 29, 2021

Business activity accelerated in the Chicago area in January, says the latest analysis by MNI Indicators and the Institute for Supply Management. The Chicago Business Barometer jumped 5.1 points to 63.8, its highest level since July 2018.

Production soared 9.9 points along with a 7.9-point surge in new orders. Order backlogs expanded for a third month, gaining 5.9 points and reaching a 23-month high.

Inventories rose above the 50 no-change mark for the first time since May, gaining 6.2 points for the highest index level since October 2018. The supplier delivery index eased slightly, but firms continued to report logistical issues and delays.

The employment index dropped 4.5 points for a 19th consecutive month in contraction.

Factory gate prices rose 1.7 points to their highest level since September 2018. Higher steel prices, in particular, were cited by manufacturing firms.

The latest surge in COVID infection rates had little to no impact on most manufacturers in January.

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