More businesses in the Chicago region were expanding in December than at any time in the past 16 months, based on the latest data from the Chicago purchasing managers index. The business activity index rose to 60.0% from 56.1% in November...Readings above 50% indicate expansion, and below 50% indicate contraction, so this suggests business activity is increasing.
This index is for both manufacturing and service activity in the Chicago region. In general the Chicago area is considered representative of the mix of manufacturing and non-manufacturing business activity in the nation.
The national ISM manufacturing index will be released Monday, and the ISM non-manufacturing index next Wednesday.