Chicago PMI at 55.6 vs 45.0 reading expected

Published Fri, Jan 29 20169:45 AM ESTUpdated Fri, Jan 29 201610:33 AM EST

A worker prepares parts to be assembled for industrial coffee grinding equipment at the Modern Process Equipment manufacturing facility in Chicago.

Tim Boyle | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The Chicago Purchasing Managers Index came in at 55.6 for January, the highest reading since last January.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected 45.0, up from 42.9 a month earlier. A reading above 50.0 indicates expansion in the sector.