Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index Increases in September

The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) increased 1.0% in September, to a seasonally adjusted level of 82.3 (2002 = 100). Revised data show the index rose 1.6% in August, to 81.6. The Federal Reserve Board's industrial production index for manufacturing (IPMFG) was also up 1.0% in September. Regional output in September declined 15.7% from a year earlier, and national output decreased 7.2%.

Regional auto sector production rose 5.5% in September after increasing 1.8% in August. The nation's auto output rose 3.4% in September. The Midwest's automotive output was down 16.3% in September relative to its year-ago value, and the nation's auto output was down 6.8%.

The region's steel sector output increased 1.3% in September after rising 2.2% in August. The nation's steel output was up 0.8% in September. Regional steel output dropped 31.4% from its September 2008 level, and national steel output fell 21.3%.

The Midwest resource sector's output rose 0.2% in September after moving up 2.1% in August. The national resource sector's output was up 0.4% in September. Two of the five subsectors of the resource sector – wood and chemical production – increased from August to September; nonmetallic mineral and paper production decreased; and food production stayed constant. Compared with a year ago, regional resource output was down 2.4% in September, and national resource output was unchanged.

The Midwest's machinery sector output declined 1.8% in September after increasing 1.1% in August. The nation's machinery output edged up 0.2% in September. Regional machinery output in September was 25.1% below year-earlier levels, and national machinery output was down 12.6%.