Chicago, IL, January 31, 2007--The Chicago Purchasing Managers Index fell to 48.8 in January from 51.6 in December, suggesting a contraction in the regional manufacturing sector.
Economists were expecting a reading of 52. A reading above 50 would signal growth.
Among the components of the index, the prices paid index fell to 54.9 from 56.9 in December. New orders slumped to 46.3 from 56.3. The employment index fell to 42.8 from 48.2.
