Chicago Manufacturing Index Gains, But Shows Contraction

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago region improved this month, but showed contraction, the National Association of Purchasing Management said Monday.

NAPM-Chicago’s monthly index rose to 48.2 in March, from a six-year low of 44.5 in February. Figures lower than 50 signal contraction.

Economists had expected the index to improve to a reading of 46, Bloomberg reported.

Chicago is a major center of U.S. manufacturing, which is one of trucking’s largest and most important customers.