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.
MNI: Chicago Business Barometer™ Weakens Further in October
After the across-the-board September plunge, most indicators saw marginal improvements in October, whilst New Orders and Supplier Deliveries slipped further. Order Backlogs and Employment recorded stronger upticks (albeit remaining in contraction).
Source: MNI / ISM
NEW ORDERS CONTINUED TO CONTRACT
New Orders contracted for the fifth consecutive month. Weak economic outlooks are dragging on demand. The indicator last fell below 40 in the initial pandemic shock of 2020.
Production saw a marginal 0.6-point improvement to 45.1 in October yet remained 10 points below the 12-month average. Over one-third of respondents noted lower production compared to September, with continued issues over labor and material shortages cited.
Inventories ticked up again in October, which will be in part underpinned by lower new orders and contractive production. Despite remaining high, firms are moving towards normalising levels of stock.
PRICE PRESSURES SHOWED SIGNS OF WEAKER GROWTH
Prices Paid saw a small 0.7-point uptick to 74.8 in October. This remains 9.6 points below the 12-month average, implying downward trend pressure on prices. Half of firms experienced increased prices in October, compared to around 80% in the first half of the year. Falling container costs and the strong US dollar are contributing to lower logistical costs. Lower commodity prices are taking time to feed through to manufacturers.Employment also rose, up 5.4 points to 45.6 after recording a stark September decline. The indicator was the weakest in six months barring the September fall.
The survey ran from October 1 to 17.
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.