Why MNI
MNI is the leading provider
of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.
Key Points – February 2021 Report
The Chicago Business Barometer™, produced with MNI, fell 4.3 points to 59.5 in February. The downtick comes after a sharp increase in the previous month, when the index rose to a 2.5-year high.
Among the main five indicators, New Orders saw the largest monthly decline, followed by Production. Employment recorded the biggest gain.
Demand eased markedly in February with New Orders dropping 11 points, its lowest level since August 2020. Similarly, Production shed 9.3 points, following two consecutive months of gains. Anecdotal evidence provides a mixed picture, with some firms experiencing a downturn due to the pandemic, while others report strong consumer demand. Order Backlogs edged higher for the fourth successivemonth to the highest level since October 2017. Inventories declined 4.6 points in February but remained in expansion territory with firms stating that logistical issues require an increase in stocks.
Employment rose 5.7 points to a sixteen-month high. The index has been in contraction territory since July 2019, despite the demand for blue collar workers.
Supplier Deliveries inched up 1.6 points, its highestlevel since May and recorded the third highest reading since the start of the pandemic.
Prices paid at the factory gate edged marginally higher,up 0.1 points, reaching the highest level since September 2018. Companies again noted price increases for raw materials, especially tin.
SPECIAL QUESTION
This month's special question asked, "How did you copewith disruption this past year?"
The majority, at 41.7%, increased their safety stocks, while 22.9% ofrespondents either implemented new technology ordiversified suppliers.
The second question asked, "Has your organization decided to require your workforce and contingent labor to be vaccinated?"
The majority, at 87.2%, was undecided when asked.
Click below for the full press release:
MNI_Chicago_Press_Release_-2021-02.pdf
For full database history and full report on the Chicago Business Barometer™, please contact:sales@marketnews.com
Why MNI
MNI is the leading provider
of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.