Chicago Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)

Definition: It's based on surveys of more than 200 purchasing managers regarding
the manufacturing industry in the Chicago area whose distribution of manufacturing
firms mirrors the national distribution.

Importance: Along with the Philadelphia Fed Index, helps to forecast the results of
the much more closely watched ISM index, which is released on the following
business day. The ISM index is a leading indicator of overall economic activity.

Readings above 50 percent indicate an expanding factory sector, while values
below 50 are indicative of contraction.

Source: Chicago Purchasing Managers Association.

Availability: Last business day of the month at 10:00am ET. Data for current
month.

Frequency: Monthly.

Revisions: The data are revised once a year. The significance of this revision is
low.

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