Chicago Manufacturing Activity Contracts

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area contracted for the first time in three years, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said Friday.

ISM’s business index fell to a reading of 49.7, from 53 in August. Readings under 50 indicate contraction.

Economists had forecast the index would decline to 52.8, Bloomberg reported.

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