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 BarometerTM, produced with MNI, fell 8.9 points to 56.3 in February, weakening for the first time since November 2021 to an 18-month low. New Orders slowed, with almost a quarter of firms surveyed seeing a decline.
All five of the main five indicators fell, with New Orders and Supplier Deliveries taking the largest hit. Only Inventories edged up over the month. In February, Production fell for the second consecutive month, dipping 5.2 points to 55.4, the lowest reading since August 2020. Firms were seeing more orders unfilled due to materiel shortages.
Employment dropped to 43.5 following January’s recovery, fading 5.6 points, to the lowest since October 2020. Firms stated that vaccine mandates and seasonal factors were causing resignations.
New Orders slowed to a 20-month low of 53.0, falling 12.3 points. Supplier Deliveries ease 12.3 points through February to 75.3, despite firms still reporting suppliers struggling to both manage demand and increase prices.
Order Backlogs ticked down by 0.1 points to 61.8. Raw material shortages and delays increased lead times. Inventories grew following last month’s slowdown, 2.5 points higher at 57.3 and 6.5 points stronger than the 12-month average. Firms continued stocking up due to persistent supply chain disruptions.
Prices Paid declined 2.5 points to an 11-month low of 86.5 in February. Some firms noted price gouging by suppliers, whilst others saw prices levelling off.
Click below for the full press release:
MNI_Chicago_Press_Release_2022-02.pdf
For full database history and full report on the Chicago Business Barometer™, please contact:sales@marketnews.com
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.