The Chicago Business BarometerTM, produced with MNI, rose to 36.6 in June with business activity picking up as Covid-19 related shutdowns eased somewhat. Across Q2, business sentiment slipped 11.8 points to 34.8, hitting the lowest level since Q1 2009. Among the main five indicators, Production and New Orders saw the largest monthly gains, while Supplier Deliveries and Employment faltered. Production saw the biggest jump in June, rising by 10.1 points. However, the quarterly index dropped to a series low in Q2. Demand strengthened by 33.8% in June, while the quarterly figure fell to the lowest level in 40 years. In ... (full story)