--Chicago purchasers' Aug adjusted index at 43.5 vs July's 38.0
--Chicago purchasers' Aug prices paid at 39.7 vs July's 48.5
--Chicago purchasers' Aug employment at 33.7 vs July's 32.3
--Chicago purchasers' Aug inventories at 33.7 vs July 32.5
--Chicago purchasers' Aug new orders at 46.6 vs July 38.0

Chicago, Aug. 31 (BridgeNews) - The Purchasing Management Association of Chicago said its index of area economic activity in August was at an adjusted 43.5, versus 38.0 in July. The prices paid component was at 39.7, versus July's 48.5, while the employment index was at 33.7, versus 32.3, and inventories were at 33.7, versus 32.5. New orders were at 46.6, versus 38.0. A reading above 50.0 generally indicates expansion, while one below 50.0 usually means economic contraction.

The purchasing managers' group said the prices paid index was at the lowest since January 1999. The business barometer recovered but was still in contraction for the 11th straight month.
The National Association of Purchasing Management's monthly survey is due Tuesday. The national index in July was 43.6.
About 200 companies participate in the Chicago-area survey, which covers northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.