The latest Chicago Purchasing Manager's Index (Chicago Business Barometer) fell to 41.4 in March from 44.0 in February. This is the fourth straight monthly decline and the lowest level for the index in ten months. The latest reading is worse than the 45.9 forecast and keeps the index in contraction territory for a fourth 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)