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 – September 2021 Report
The Chicago Business Barometer™, produced with MNI, slipped to 64.7 in September, the lowest level since February. Among the main five indicators, Order Backlogs saw the largest decline, followed by Supplier Deliveries and New Orders. Only Employment increased through the month.
Order Backlogs pulled back sharply in September, dropping 20.5 points to a six-month low of 61.1. Companies said that was mostly due to supply shortages that are still weighing on production.
Supplier Deliveries through September fell 11.6 points to 81.2, the lowest since April, as firms reported worsening port congestion and ongoing problems with ocean, rail trucking, and even air cargo.
New Orders softened through the month, falling 3.4 points to 64.4, the lowest since March. Businesses said that was linked to raw material shortages and a low supply of critical components like semiconductors.
Prices Paid unwound by 3.2 points in September to a four-month low of 90.7. Companies reported fewer problems with labor that may have put downward pressure on prices, but many said prices were still an issue.
Production in September fell marginally, dropping 0.3 points to 60.7, but still the lowest reading since June.
Employment was the only indicator that saw an increase through the month, rising 4.1 points to 52.4, the highest since April.
SPECIAL QUESTION
This month's first special question asked, "As prices pick up nationwide, are your staff costs likely to increase in the next 6 months?" The majority (38.89%) said they would by 0 – 5%. The second special question asked, "Now that the Delta variant has become an area of back-to-work delay, has your company modified its supply chain strategy to address a potential problem in manufacturing and problems?" The majority (52.78%) said they had.
Click below for the full press release:
MNI_Chicago_Press_Release_-_2021-09.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.