RIDING THE BOOM:

Midwest business surges in October: Business activity expanded much faster than expected, increasing for an 18th straight month. (Reuters, October 29, 2004)

Business activity in the Midwest expanded in October for the 18th straight month, and at a much faster rate than expected, a report showed Friday.

The National Association of Purchasing Management-Chicago business barometer jumped to 68.5 from 61.9 in September.

Economists had forecast the index at 59.0. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The employment component of the index rose to 54.1 from 53.9 in September. New orders rose to 79.4 from 69.7 in September.

18 straight months? The question isn't why WI, MI, MN, IA, etc. have moved into the President's column but what Ohioans are whining about.

Posted by Orrin Judd at October 30, 2004 6:00 PM