Chicago Manufacturing Index Contracts in November

November 30, 2006 10:00 AM, EST

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he National Association of Purchasing Management-Chicago’s manufacturing index fell to a reading of 49.9 in November, Bloomberg reported Thursday.

The index declined from a reading of 53.5 in October. Readings above 50 signal expansion.

Economists had expected the index to rise to 54.4, Bloomberg reported.

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