Chicago Business Barometer improves but still contracts in October

The Chicago Business Barometer’s October reading still indicates a cooling in general business activity despite posting a surprise gain.

Midwest business activity increased by more than expected this month. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) and Market News International (MNI) reported a Barometer reading of 43.8 for October, up from 40.6 in September. The survey period was Oct. 1-14.

David Schollaert

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

David Schollaert

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