Chicago Business Barometer™ - Advances to 39.5 in January
MNI (LONDON) - The Chicago Business Barometer™, produced with MNI increased 2.6 points to 39.5 in January. This is the first increase after three consecutive months of decline, though the index remains below both the level of November 2024 and the 2024 average.
RISE DRIVEN BY NEW ORDERS AND PRODUCTION
New Orders rebounded 13.8 points, more than reversing last month’s decline. This leaves it the highest since September 2024 and above the 2024 average.
Production expanded 4.0 points to 39.1, a similar level to that seen in November.
DECLINE IN SUPPLIER DELIVERIES, EMPLOYMENT AND ORDER BACKLOGS
Supplier Deliveries more than reversed last month’s gains falling 13.5 points. The index reached its lowest level since August 2023 and saw its largest monthly fall since February 2008.
Employment dropped 9.0 points to 37.8, the lowest level recorded since June 2020. Two-thirds of respondents reported unchanged employment whilst nearly 30% reported lower levels of employment.
Order Backlogs edged down 0.8 points.
Inventories expanded 14.9 points, returning to expansionary levels for the first time since November 2023. This is after four consecutive months of decline. A quarter of respondents reported larger inventories.
Prices Paid eased 2.7 points to 60.2, this is the fourth successive fall and the lowest level since July 2024.