US DATA: July MNI Chicago report 53.7 (above expectations) vs 52.9 June
as text said it signified continuing moderate growth. Gains in New
Orders (+1 to 52.9) and Order Backlogs were offset by weakness in
Production (-2.5 to 54.5), Employment (-7.1 to 53.3), and Supplier
Deliveries. Prices Paid +0.7 to 54.7 but text said higher gains might
hurt pricing later. Comments noted erratic to steady orders as the
summer quieted business.