--Chicago purchasers' Apr adjusted index at 38.9 vs Mar's 35.0
--Chicago purchasers' Apr prices paid at 55.8 vs Mar's 59.6
--Chicago purchasers' Apr supplier deliveries 48.8 vs Mar 40.2
--Chicago purchasers' Apr employment at 30.7 vs Mar's 32.3
--Chicago purchasers' Mar employment lowest since Oct 1980

Chicago, April 30 (BridgeNews) - The Purchasing Management Association of Chicago said its index of area economic activity in April was at an adjusted 38.9, versus 35.0 in March. The prices paid component was at 55.8, versus March's 59.6, while supplier deliveries were at 48.8, versus 40.2, and the employment index was at 30.7, versus 32.3. A reading above 50.0 generally indicates expansion, while one below 50.0 usually means economic contraction.
* * * The purchasing managers' group said employment slid to the lowest level since October 1980. Production made a significant move toward neutral.
Inventories were back at the February level, while prices paid dropped for a second month.
The National Association of Purchasing Management's monthly survey is due Tuesday. The national index in March was 43.1.
About 200 companies participate in the Chicago-area survey, which covers northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.