Chicago Business Activity Expands Again

Chicago, IL, Nov. 30, 2009--More businesses in the Chicago region were expanding in November, according to the Chicago purchasing managers index released Monday by the NAPM-Chicago.

The business activity index rose to 56.1% in November from 54.2% in October. It's the highest since August 2008.

Readings over 50% indicate more firms said business is getting better than said it was worsening.

The new orders index rose to 62.8% from 61.4%, an encouraging sign for future output and hiring.

The employment index rose to 41.9% from 38.3%, indicating most firms are still shedding workers.