By Steve Goldstein
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The Chicago PMI for December dipped 0.1 point to 62.5, a better-than-forecast reading and the 27th month of expansion. Economists polled by MarketWatch had anticipated a 60.0 reading. Readings above 50 indicate expansion. "It appears to be a good close to an up and down year," said one respondent to the survey. "Our backlog remains solid with several new orders still pending," added another.
