The Chicago Purchasing Managers reported November's Chicago Business Barometer improved to 50.4. After two consecutive months in contraction, the Business Barometer was led higher by advances in Production, Employment, and Supplier Deliveries while New Orders subtracted from economic activity. Business Activity: Prices Paid: 16 month high; Employment continues on pace with Production; New Orders: lowest since June 2009; Inventories: lowest since February 2010. Buying Policy: Production Materiel and MRO Supplies shorten to Feb 2010 and Jan 2011 lows, respectively. (full story)