Chicago PMI advances to best level since March 2011 at 67.6 in December

"The MNI Chicago Business Barometer rose to 67.6 in December, up from 63.9 in November, closing the year at the highest level since March 2011," the ISM-Chicago announced on Thursday.

Key highlights

On a calendar quarter basis, the Barometer rose to 65.9 in Q4 from 61.0 in Q3, the best quarterly performance since Q1 2011.

Both output and demand showed strong gains in December, with each rising to multi-year highs. 

Firms’ unfulfilled orders edged slightly higher in December, but remained below the levels recorded in October.

Despite decreasing in December, the Employment indicator remained in expansionary territory. 

Inflationary pressures at the factory gate remained high in December, though did edge down to the lowest level since August.