Chicago Manufacturing Index Declines

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago region contracted in January for a fourth straight month, the National Association of Purchasing Management said Wednesday.

NAPM-Chicago’s monthly index fell to a reading of 33, from 35.1 in December. Figures lower than 50 signal contraction, while above that signal growth.

Economists had expected the index to fall to a reading of 34.9, Bloomberg reported.

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