Economy
April 30, 2019
Chicago Business Barometer Surprises With Decline
Written by Sandy Williams
Business activity unexpectedly declined in the Chicago area, according to the latest MNI Chicago Business Barometer survey. The Barometer, a survey of purchasing and supply management professionals in the Chicago area, lost 6.1 points, falling to 52.6 in April and to its lowest level since January 2017.
“This was a disappointing start to the second quarter, with more firms cutting back on both production and employment against a backdrop of softer domestic demand and the global slowdown,” said Shaily Mittal, Senior Economist at MNI. “Most Barometer components have dived below their respective 12-month averages, pointing towards greater business uncertainty among firms.”
