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, produced with MNI, fell to 64.7 in September, the lowest reading since February. Order backlogs rose sharply while production sank, and firms say freight difficulties and the available supply of raw materials continue to hamper production.
Among the five main indicators, Order Backlogs pulled back sharply, dropping 20.5 points to a six-month low of 61.1 as supply shortages continued to weigh on production. That was followed by Supplier Deliveries, which sank 11.6 points to 81.2, the lowest level since March. Firms reported worsening port congestion and ongoing problems with ocean, rail, trucking, and even air cargo.
Other notable declines came from New Orders, which fell 3.4 points to 64.4, the lowest since March, and prices paid, which eased by 3.2 points to a four-month low of 90.7. Production also decreased slightly through the month, dropping just 0.3 points to 60.7. That's still the lowest reading since June.
Meanwhile, hiring was up in September, and Employment rose 4.1 points to 52.4, the highest level since April. Companies reported fewer difficulties finding available workers compared to previous months, though those workers weren't always qualified for open positions.
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.