Results of the March Chicago purchasing managers index from MNI:
- Lowest reading since August
- Prior reading was 59.8
- New orders 58.8 from 63.6
- Employment 50.0 vs 59.3
MNI says the slowdown was primarily due to “the largest seasonal factor of the year”
This ebb would normally throw up warning flags but seasonal factors taken in context with solid Production levels, lengthening in Supplier lead times and positive feedback from purchasers who expect higher biz levels in the next 3 months suggested area business would continue to expand.
