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

US DATA: MNI Chicago Business Barometer Edges Higher In Nov

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--The Chicago Business Barometer rose 3.1 points in November, hitting a

two-month high 46.3.

--However, the index remains in contraction for the third month straight,

resulting in a further fall of the three-month average to 45.5. 

--The New Orders and Order Backlogs indices saw the largest monthly improvements

in November, while Supplier Deliveries revealed the largest fall.

--Production slipped to 42.3 in November after October's uptick, while demand

improved significantly, indicated by New Orders which rose to 49.4. 

--Order Backlogs recovered to 45.0 in November after October's sharp decline to

33.1. Nevertheless, the indicator is below 50 for a third straight month.

--Nov's special question asked if companies were passing the costs of tariffs on

or absorbing the costs. A majority of 57% said they are not passing on the costs

of tariffs in contrast to 43% who said they are.