The latest Chicago Purchasing Manager's Index (Chicago Business Barometer) fell to 37.9 in April from 41.4 in March. This is the fifth straight monthly decline and the lowest level for the index since November 2022. The latest reading is worse than the 44.9 forecast and keeps the index in contraction territory for a fifth consecutive month. Background on Chicago PMI The Chicago PMI assess the business conditions and the economic health of the manufacturing sector in the Chicago region. A value above 50.0 indicate expanding manufacturing activity, while a value below 50.0 indicate contracting manufacturing activity. ... (full story)