Chicago Business Activity Expands Again

Chicago, IL, Nov. 30, 2009–More businesses in the Chicago region were expanding in November, according to the Chicago purchasing managers index released Monday by the NAPM-Chicago.

The business activity index rose to 56.1% in November from 54.2% in October. It’s the highest since August 2008.

Readings over 50% indicate more firms said business is getting better than said it was worsening.

The new orders index rose to 62.8% from 61.4%, an encouraging sign for future output and hiring.

The employment index rose to 41.9% from 38.3%, indicating most firms are still shedding workers.