The MNI Chicago Business Barometer rose to 65.2 in September, up from 58.9 in August, hitting the highest level in three months and the second highest level in more than three years. Optimism among firms about business conditions was bolstered in September after August's flat showing, with each of the Barometer's sub-components strengthening. A marked rise in Order Backlogs, up to a 29-year high, was among the month's highlights. September's survey result left the Q3 calendar average of the Barometer at 61.0, virtually unchanged from Q2's three-year high of 61.1.