Chicago Area Manufacturing Continues To Expand

Chicago, IL, Jan. 31, 2012 — The Chicago Purchasing Managers Index for January fell 2 percentage points to 60.2, the Institute for Supply Management said.

The index is a measure of manufacturing activity.

Economists expected the index to fall to 61.5 from 62.2 in December.

Although it was the second straight decline, readings above 50 indicate expansion.