Chicago Area Businesses Grew in July

Chicago, IL, July 31, 2008--Businesses in the Chicago region grew in July, but just a little, according to the Chicago purchasing managers index released Thursday.

The Chicago business barometer rose to 50.8 percent from 49.6 percent in June. Readings over 50 percent indicate more firms are growing than contracting.

The new-orders index rose to 53.5 percent from 52 percent. The employment index fell to 45.9 percent from 46.7 percent. The prices-paid index rose to a 28-year high of 90.7 percent.