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Chicago Business Barometer™ - Dropped to 41.6 in October

The Chicago Business Barometer™, produced with MNI, dropped 5.0 points to 41.6 in October after edging up for two consecutive months, making the barometer the lowest since May 2024, and 1.6 points below the year-to-date average.

FOUR OUT OF FIVE SUBCOMPONENTS FELL

The decline was due to four out of the five subcomponents falling (Production, New Orders, Order Backlogs and Employment), with only Supplier Deliveries rising in October.

Production fell 7.8 points to a level significantly below the year-to-date average of 44.8 and the lowest reading since April 2024. 

New Orders dipped 4.6 points, to the lowest level since May 2024.

Order Backlogs more than reversed last month’s rise, reducing 8.5 points, also the lowest since May 2024.

Employment decreased 5.5 points, taking it below the year-to-date average of 41.9 and a little below August’s 39.5. 

WHILST SUPPLIER DELIVERIES ROSE

Supplier Deliveries extended 6.2 points for the highest level since September 2022.

Prices Paid softened 7.0 points, after reaching the highest level since August 2023 in September. 

Inventories fell for the second consecutive month by 2.9 points.

 

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