• SMU new site announcement banner
  • Skip to main content

    Economy

    Chicago Business Barometer Surprises with Gain

    Written by Sandy Williams


    The Chicago Business Barometer reached its highest level since December 1983 with a PMI reading of 72.1, according to MNI Indicators. The April PMI rose 5.7 points from March, refuting economists’ expectations of a dip to 65.

    Demand was robust in April with the new orders index jumping 9.9 points to a near seven-year high. Production inched up another 0.9 points for the highest level since January 2018. A surge in buying activity due to raw material shortages indicates an anticipated rise in business activity, said MNI, citing anecdotal evidence.

    Latest in Economy