Chicago Manufacturing Activity Slips

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area slipped slightly in August, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said Friday.

ISM’s business index fell to a reading of 53, from 53.7 in July. Readings over 50 indicate expansion.

Economists had forecast the index would decline to 53.2, Bloomberg reported.

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