The Chicago Purchasing Managers’ Business Barometer rose to a still contractionary 48.3 in April from 48.2 in March, the National Association of Purchasing Management-Chicago said yesterday.
Economists polled by IFR Markets predicted a 47.5 reading for the indicator.
The prices paid index dipped to 82.9 from 83.9. The employment index decreased to 35.3 from 44.6; and the new orders index slipped to 53.0 from 53.9.