Chicago Business Barometer™ Accelerated

1/29/2010

The Chicago Purchasing Managers reported the Chicago Business Barometer rose to the highest level since November 2005.

BUSINESS ACTIVITY:

• EMPLOYMENT leapt to the highest level in nearly five years;
• PRICES PAID expanded at an accelerating rate;
• PRODUCTION, NEW ORDERS, and ORDER BACKLOGS continued to strengthen;

BUYING POLICY:

• MRO SUPPLIES lead times countered other trends by shortening.