Reply #35: ECONOMIC CONTRACTION: Chicago PMI shows contraction in August [View All]

[UpInArms]

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/newsfinder/pulseone.asp?dateid=38595.4197025347-841029566&siteID=mktw&scid=0&doctype=806&

CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- A monthly measure of business activity in and around Chicago contracted in August. The Chicago PMI was reported at 49.2% The average of a survey of economists by MarketWatch looked for only modest moderation in the latest report, to 61.3% from July's 63.5%. Employment growth slowed to 51.7% after rebounding to 56.1 in July. Prices paid rose to 62.9% from 61.3%, while orders plunged to 46.5% from 69.6%. Readings above 50% indicate a majority of businesses reported steady or stronger conditions; readings below show more feel business had slowed. The Chicago index had topped this level for 27 straight months.

10:02am 08/31/05 AUGUST CHICAGO PMI AT 49.2 VS. 61.3% EXPECTED