by Calculated Risk on 10/31/2011 09:45:00 AM

From the Chicago ISM Chicago Business Barometer™ Stabilized:

The Chicago Purchasing Managers reported the CHICAGO BUSINESS BAROMETER stabilized in October. The Business Barometer marked a 25th month of expansion, yet the 3 month moving average for the barometer fell for the 7th consecutive month. Monthly changes in the individual Business Activity components were generally modest with all but one component converging towards their 3 month moving averages.

The overall index decreased to 58.4 from 60.4 in September. This was close to consensus expectations of 58.0.

Note: any number above 50 shows expansion.

The employment index increased to 62.3 from 60.6. "EMPLOYMENT highest in 6-months"

The new orders index decreased to 61.3 from 65.3. "NEW ORDERS erased half of September's gain"

Weekend:
• Summary for Week ending Oct 28th
• Schedule for Week of Oct 30th
• FOMC Meeting Preview