Economy
February 28, 2020
Chicago Business Barometer Improves in February
Written by Sandy Williams
The Chicago Business Barometer nearly emerged from contraction in February. The manufacturing index, produced by MNI Indicators, gained 6.1 points to post 49.0, the highest level since August 2019. The three-month average for the index edged up to 46.7.
Production reached an eight-month high, gaining 8.3 points to register 51.0 after seven straight months below the no-change mark of 50. New orders rose to 49.1, gaining 7.6 points. Order backlogs remained mired in contraction for the sixth month, rising slightly to 38.2.
