Manufacturing Activity in Chicago Grows in July

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area expanded in July, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said Wednesday.

ISM’s business index rose to a reading of 52.3 from 51.6 in June. Readings more than 50 indicate expansion.

Economists had forecast a reading of 54, Bloomberg News reported.

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