Contraction in Chicago Business Activity Deepened in November -- MNI Indicators
November 30 2022 - 10:34AM
Dow Jones News
By Xavier Fontdegloria
Economic activity in the Chicago area shrank sharply in
November, signaling the economic slowdown in the region is
broadening, according to data from a survey compiled by MNI
Indicators released Wednesday.
The Chicago Business Barometer fell to 37.2 in November from
45.2 in October, missing the 47.0 consensus forecast from
economists polled by The Wall Street Journal. This marks the lowest
reading since the Global Financial Crisis, excluding the 2020
pandemic-related shock.
The indicator suggests activity contracted at a steeper pace
compared with the previous month as it stood further below the 50
threshold which indicates growth.
The barometer is compiled after surveying firms in the Chicago
area to assess business conditions. The index takes into account
five components: new orders, order backlogs, production, supplier
deliveries and employment.
The production index fell sharply to 35.9, posting a
third-consecutive contraction as low order levels dampened output.
Close to 90% of those surveyed said production in November stalled
or decreased on month, the report said.
The new orders index declined to 30.7, with firms reporting weak
demand conditions due to inflation concerns, higher inventories and
a slowing housing market. Orders backlogs also fell sharply,
according to the survey.
The employment index increased somewhat to 47.1 but remained in
negative territory, suggesting broadly unchanged employment
levels.
The supplier deliveries index declined to 49.9, close to
prepandemic levels, in a sign that supply-chain bottlenecks
continued to ease. However, lead times remained historically long
and transparency issues persist, the report said.
The prices paid index also moderated to 66.2, suggesting easing
price pressures, MNI Indicators said.
Write to Xavier Fontdegloria at xavier.fontdegloria@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 30, 2022 10:19 ET (15:19 GMT)
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