Business activity in the U.S. Midwest grew more than expected this month, buoyed by new orders and a jump in employment, a report showed on Friday.

The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago business barometer rose to 60.4 in September.

The reading was 56.5 in August, and economists had forecast a September reading of 55.5.

The employment component of the index jumped to 60.6, from 52.1 in August. New orders rose to 65.3, from 56.9.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the regional economy.