Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago  

Release: Chicago Fed Midwest Economy Index  

Units:  Index Standard Deviation, Seasonally Adjusted

Frequency:  Monthly

This series represents the contributions of Midwest Region's manufacturing sector to the Midwest Economy Index (MEI). The Midwest Region contribution specifically focuses on indicators existing only at a regional level. This series is the weighted average of regional variables measuring the growth in nonfarm business activity based on manufacturing sector indicators for the Midwest.

A zero value represents an average contribution to the MEI by the Midwest Region, whereas a positive value indicates that an above-average contribution to MEI; and negative values indicate below-average contribution to MEI.

For further information about the Midwest Economy Index, go to http://midwest.chicagofedblogs.org/archives/2011/03/mei_by_scott_br.html and http://chicagofed.org/digital_assets/publications/chicago_fed_letter/2010/cflnovember2010_280.pdf.