(Photo: REUTERS)
The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago’s Midwest manufacturing index of activity in the region fell to 60.8 in November from 66.2 the month prior. Economists polled by Reuters forecast a smaller drop to 63.
Readings above 50 indicate expansion, while those below 50 in the gauge suggest contraction.
Wednesday has seen a slew of weak economic data.
The Commerce Department said Wednesday orders for U.S. durable goods unexpectedly rose last month only due to a surge in military spending, but underlying data suggest broad weakness in business investment.
