Chicago businesses grow in July, PMI survey says (by Rex Nutting)

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Businesses in the Chicago region expanded in July, according to the Chicago purchasing managers index released Thursday. The Chicago business barometer rose to 50.8% from 49.6% in June. Readings over 50% indicate more firms are growing than contracting. The new-orders index rose to 53.5% from 52%. The employment index fell to 45.9% from 46.7%. The prices-paid index rose to a 28-year high of 90.7%.