Chicago Manufacturing Activity Contracts in April

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area contracted in April, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said Tuesday.

ISM’s business index fell to a reading of 49 from 52.4 in March. Readings less than 50 indicate contraction.

Economists had forecast a reading of 51, Bloomberg News reported.

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