by Calculated Risk on 12/30/2016 09:58:00 AM

Chicago PMI: December Chicago Business Barometer Down 3.0 Points to 54.6

The MNI Chicago Business Barometer fell 3.0 points to 54.6 in December from 57.6 in November, led by declines in both New Orders and Order Backlogs.

After a disappointing start to the fourth quarter, the latest results suggest economic conditions have improved somewhat, with the Barometer averaging 54.3 in Q4, the highest in two years.

The December decline was led by a slowdown in New Orders, which fell 6.7 points to 56.5, giving up most of the November gain that had left it running at the fastest pace since June.
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“The Chicago Business Barometer ended 2016 in a much healthier position than a year ago when it slipped into contraction. This is largely owed to stronger outturns in the second half of the year and is testament to the resilience of the US economy.

“Most respondents to our survey remain upbeat about the fate of their business as we head into 2017, buoyed by fresh hope of better things to come under the new administration. Hopefully, 2017 can build on the momentum generated in the latter stages of 2016.” said Jamie Satchithanantham, economist at MNI Indicators.
emphasis added

This was below the consensus forecast of 57.0.