Chicago Fed National Activity Index Falls in April
May 20 2019 - 8:59AM
Dow Jones News
By Patrick Thomas
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index declined in April,
signaling slower economic growth.
The index, which provides a snapshot of national economic
activity and inflation pressures, was -0.45 in April, down from
0.05 in March.
The March monthly index value was revised to 0.05 from an
initial estimate of -0.15, and the February monthly index value was
revised to -0.57 from last month's estimate of -0.31.
A value of zero for the monthly index is associated with the
national economy expanding at its historical average. Positive
values reflect above-average growth while negative values reflect
below-average growth.
The index is comprised of a weighted basket of 85 indicators
across four broad categories of the economy, which includes
production and income; sales, orders and inventories; employment,
unemployment and hours; and personal consumption and housing.
In all, 33 of the 85 indicators made positive contributions in
April compared with 37 the previous month, while 52 declined.
The index's three-month moving average fell to -0.22 in April
from March's -0.16 reading.
Write to Patrick Thomas at patrick.thomas@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 20, 2019 08:44 ET (12:44 GMT)
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