Why MNI
MNI is the leading provider
of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.
The Chicago Business Barometer rose to 63.1 in December, picking up again after last month’s decline, with inventories hitting a four-year high as firms created buffers for longer lead times.
Among the main five indicators, Production and New Orders were higher. Order Backlogs, Employment and Supplier Deliveries fell across the month.
In December, Production continued to increase, rising modestly by 0.4 points to 61.9, the highest reading since July 2021.
Prices Paid dropped 4.2 points to a seven-month low of 89.6 in December. This is still above the 12-month average of 88.0, as shortages of certain materials led to inflated costs.
Employment dipped again for the second month in a row, dropping 7.0 points to 44.6, the lowest since June 2021. Firms stated that finding new hires to fill empty positions is challenging.
After the sharp November fall, New Orders recovered almost to October’s level, picking up 8.2 points to stand at 66.5.
Supplier Deliveries dropped 2.8 points through December to 80.5, with firms again reporting port congestion and trucking issues. Deliveries were slow, due to labour and raw material shortages.
Order Backlogs dropped 5.2 points to 55.6, the lowest pandemic-era reading since December 2020.
Inventories rose for the third consecutive month, rising 3.0 points to 62.7. Firms expressed the importance of stocking up due to persistent supply chain disruptions.
This month we asked firms what they anticipated was “the biggest challenge to executing plans for the holiday season?” The largest share (36.4%) said global shortages, followed by logistics (25.0%) and staff shortages (22.7%).
Why MNI
MNI is the leading provider
of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.