Chicago Manufacturing Activity Rises

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area increased in July, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said Tuesday.

ISM’s business index rose to a reading of 53.7 in July, from 52.9 in June. Readings over 50 indicate expansion.

Economists had forecast the index would decline to 52.5, Bloomberg reported.

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