cont
Enviado: 30/3/2007 14:00By Rex Nutting
Last Update: 9:52 AM ET Mar 30, 2007
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Business conditions improved markedly in March in the Chicago region. The Chicago purchasing managers index rose to 61.7% from 47.9% in February, according to media reports.
It's the largest month-to-month gain in the 39-year history of the index. It's the highest reading since April 2005.
Economists were expecting an increase to about 50%. Readings over 50% indicate a majority of firms in the region reported improving conditions.
The new orders index jumped to 72.2% from 48.7%.
Last Update: 9:52 AM ET Mar 30, 2007
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Business conditions improved markedly in March in the Chicago region. The Chicago purchasing managers index rose to 61.7% from 47.9% in February, according to media reports.
It's the largest month-to-month gain in the 39-year history of the index. It's the highest reading since April 2005.
Economists were expecting an increase to about 50%. Readings over 50% indicate a majority of firms in the region reported improving conditions.
The new orders index jumped to 72.2% from 48.7%.