Chicago PMI - 9:45

From MarketWatch Chicago purchasing index reaches 16-month high WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- More businesses in the Chicago region were expanding in December than at any time in the past 16 months, based on the latest data from the Chicago purchasing managers index. The business activity index rose to 60.0% from 56.1% in November, according to media reports. It's the highest reading since August 2008 and was stronger than economists had forecast. The index fell as low as 31.4% in January. Readings over 50% indicate more firms said business is getting better than said it was worsening. The index was released Wednesday after U.S. markets opened by the Institute for Supply Management of Chicago.