The MNI Chicago Business Barometer rose to a six-month high of 65.5 in June, up 1.4 points from 64.1 in June. Businesses' operations rose at a swifter pace in July, with activity up for the fourth straight month. All but one of the Barometer components rose on the month, with only Supplier Deliveries losing ground, leaving the Barometer up 10.1% on the year.

Like the headline index, both New Orders and Production recorded six-month highs in July, traditionally a busy month for firms coinciding with the summer holiday season. Both indicators sit comfortably above the neutral-50 mark, up 8.0% and 10.6% on the year respectively, and continue to signal robust demand.