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

US DATA: MNI Chicago Business Barometer Rises to 66.4 in November

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The MNI Chicago Business Barometer surged to an 11-month high of 66.4 in

November, up 8.0 points from October's 58.4. Business activity recorded its most

impressive performance so far this year in November, ending a three-month run of

declines. Although broad-based, with increases across all five of the

Barometer's subcomponents, resurgent orders, solid output and higher unfinished

orders were the month's key drivers. This month's result means the Barometer has

signalled expansion, sitting above the neutral 50-mark, for 33 consecutive

months. Moreover, the headline index has registered above-60 for all but three

of the past 15 months. Driving the November rise were soaring orders and higher

output. November saw New Orders jump to the highest level since May 2014 while

Production rose for a second straight month to settle at a three-month high.

Prices Paid remained elevated despite easing while the hiring intentions picked

up. The survey period ran from November 1 to November 20.