MNI Chicago Business Barometer..............>

US DATA: MNI Chicago Business Barometer Accelerates to 64.7 in February

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The MNI Chicago Business Barometer rose by 8 points to 64.7 in February, to the

highest level since December 2017. This month's gain was last matched in

February 2017 and surpassed only by the 12.5 points hike recorded in January

2016. Optimism returned, with most Barometer components back at December 2018's

level after last month's dip, indicating temporary factors at play in January.

February's increase was led by four of the five Barometer components, with only

Supplier Deliveries receding. The pick-up in demand contributed the most to the

Barometer's rise. New orders rose by 15.2 points, the largest monthly rise since

January 2016 when it jumped 17.4 points. Production was up 8.5 points to a fresh

six-month high. Order Backlogs were up by 5.6 points, offsetting January's

decline. The survey period ran from February 4 to February 18.