The Chicago Business Barometer made a positive start to the third quarter, jumping above 50 after two months in contraction, leaving economic activity expanding at the fastest pace since January. The Chicago Business Barometer increased 5.3 points to 54.7 in July led by a double digit gain in Production and accompanied by gains in New Orders and the other three components. While all components that comprise the Barometer rose in July, three of them – Order Backlogs, Supplier Deliveries and Employment – remained in contraction, although these elements would be expected to lag. Companies reported a strong revival in ... (full story)