MNI Chicago Business Barometer Rises to.....>

US DATA: MNI Chicago Business Barometer Rises to 64.1 in June

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The MNI Chicago Business Barometer rose 1.4 points to 64.1 in June, up from 62.7

in May, hitting the highest level since January. Business activity expanded at a

faster pace in June, with firms' operations up for a third consecutive month.

Four of the five Barometer components strengthened on the month, with only

Production losing ground, leaving the Barometer up 0.8% on the year. Partially

spurring the Barometer's rise was an increase in orders, offset by a slight fall

in output growth. Production lost ground for the fourth time since peaking in

December, with firms stifled by issues higher up in the supply chain. Lead times

lengthened further on the month, partly responsible for the month's increase in

unfinished orders. Prices Paid rose to a seven year high. The survey period ran

from June 1 to June 18.