Midwest manufacturing comes roaring back in June
ISM
Chicago businesses crushed expectations in June.
After slipping back into contractionary territory in May, the measure of Midwest activity spiked to 56.8 in June, demolishing economists expectations of 51.0, according to data from Bloomberg.
The ISM's MNI index, also known as Chicago PMI, has been choppy over the last half year, frequently dipping below the 50-level that separates expansion and contraction of the sector.
This was the highest reading since January 2015, according to the ISM. The reading was 49.3 in May and 50.4 in April.
According to Michala Marcussen at Societe Generale, the reading wasn't expected to be overwhelming either to the upside or downside.
"A quiet day of data releases, with initial and continuing claims expected to remain low, while the Chicago PMI may continue to show softness in factory conditions," the economist said in a note to clients on Thursday morning.
Ethan Harris at Bank of America Merril Lynch also echoed the measured tone.
"We look for an increase in the Chicago PMI to 51.0 in June, up from 49.3," said Harris.
"In May, most regional surveys diverged from the national ISM index, the former deteriorating, while the latter improved. We have seen some convergence in June, with Empire and Philly Fed both recovering into expansion territory, and would, therefore, anticipate a similar development in the Chicago PMI."
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