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MNI Chicago Business Barometer Jumps To 68.4 in October

US DATA

The Chicago Business Barometer rose to 68.4 in October, picking up after two consecutive months of decline.

  • Prices Paid rose 3.6 points in October to a 42-year high of 94.3, with many companies saying prices continued to be an issue.
  • ­­­­­Among the main five indicators, four were higher, led by Order backlogs and Employment. Only Production fell across the month.
  • After the sharp September fall, Order Backlogs recovered more than half the loss, picking up 13.5 points to stand at 74.6.
  • Supplier Deliveries rose 3.5 points through September to 84.7, as firms again reported worsening port congestion and ongoing logistical issues with trucking, rail, and even air cargo.
  • New Orders advanced 3.1 points to 67.5, recovering from September's 6-month low. Some businesses said raw material shortages and a low supply of critical components like semiconductors at suppliers was impacting opportunities.
  • Production was the only component to fall in October, dropping 2.2 points to 58.5, the lowest reading since August 2020.
  • Employment increased again, up for a fourth straight month, rising 4.2 points to 56.6, the highest in just over three years.

MNI London Bureau | +44 203-865-3812 | les.commons@marketnews.com
MNI London Bureau | +44 203-865-3812 | les.commons@marketnews.com

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