MNI Chicago Business Barometer Slips to.....>

US DATA: MNI Chicago Business Barometer Slips to 58.4 in October

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The MNI Chicago Business Barometer declined to 58.4 in October, the lowest

reading since April, down 2.0 points from 60.4 in September. Business activity

continued to expand at a healthy rate this month, despite the pace of activity

decelerating for the third month in a row. A decline in order book growth and

unfinished orders more than offset a rise in output, delivery times and

employment, sending the Barometer to its lowest reading in six months. On the

year, the Barometer was down 10.7%, the biggest year-over-year fall since

December 2015. Despite beginning the final quarter on a softer footing, activity

remains robust relative to recent years. The headline index still sits above its

five-year average, with the latest moderations possibly reflecting a reversion

to more normal levels after a series of strong performances over the past 12

months. The survey period ran from October 1 to October 18.