The pace of business activity in the U.S. Midwest rose in July, as somewhat stronger new orders offset a weakening labor environment, according to a report out Tuesday.
The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago business barometer rose to 53.7, from 52.9 in June, beating economists' forecasts for 52.5.
A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the regional economy.
The forward-looking new orders index rose to 52.9, from 51.9, while the gauge of employment sank to 53.3 — the lowest level since July 2011 — from 60.4 last month.
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