Economy
February 28, 2017
Chicago Business Barometer Jumps to 57.4 in February
Written by Sandy Williams
The February Chicago Business Barometer reached its highest reading since January 2016. The Barometer rose 7.1 points to 57.4 buoyed by optimism and gains in new orders and production.
Four of the five components of the Barometer increased in February. New orders rose 10.1 points after slipping below the 50 neutral mark in January. Production was up 4.3 points to a 13 month high of 60.3. Backlogs were still below the breakeven point but rose for a second consecutive month. Supplier deliveries were at their lowest level since October 2016.
