by Calculated Risk on 6/29/2012 09:55:00 AM

Chicago PMI: The overall index increased to 52.9 in June, up from 52.7 in May. This was slightly below consensus expectations of 53.1 and indicates slow growth in June. Note: any number above 50 shows expansion. From the Chicago ISM:

The Chicago Purchasing Managers reported the June Chicago Business Barometer stabilized just above May's 33 month low. The short-term trend of the Chicago Business Barometer fell for the third month. The three-month moving average of each Business Activity index, except Employment, fell in June.
...
• PRODUCTION rebounded; • NEW ORDERS and ORDER BACKLOGS lowest since September 2009; • PRICES PAID were at a 30 month low.

New orders declined to 51.9 from 52.9, and employment increased to 60.4 from 57.0.


Click on graph for larger image.

The final Reuters / University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for June declined to 73.2, down from the May reading of 79.3, and the preliminary June reading of 74.1.

This was below the consensus forecast of 74.1 and the lowest level this year. Overall sentiment is still weak - and apparently the weak job market and sluggish economy are outweighing any positive impact from falling gasoline prices.