Chicago Manufacturing Index Unexpectedly Gains in September

he National Association of Purchasing Management-Chicago’s manufacturing index expanded unexpectedly in September, Bloomberg said Friday.

The index rose to 62.1 from 57.1 in August. Readings above 50 signal expansion.

Economists had expected the index to fall to 55.7, Bloomberg reported.

The rise in new orders follows a report on Tuesday from the Department of Commerce that showed a decline in durable goods orders of 0.5%, Bloomberg said.

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