Chicago Manufacturing Rises Unexpectedly

Chicago, IL, Feb. 28, 2014 — The Chicago Business Barometer remained broadly unchanged at 59.8 in February compared with 59.6 in January, but was well ahead of expectations.

A double-digit gain in employment offset declines in new orders and production.

The Chicago report, a gauge of manufacturing, points to firm growth and a continued recovery in the U.S. economy, remaining around 60 for the fifth consecutive month.

Economists were expecting a reading of 56.