--Chicago purchasers' June adjusted index at 44.4, vs May's 38.7
--Chicago purchasers' June prices paid at 51.0 vs May's 56.1
--Chicago purchasers' June employment at 35.6 vs May's 33.4
--Chicago purchasers' June supplier deliveries 44.1 vs May 45.0
--Chicago purchasers' index at 44.4 at highest level this year
--Chicago purchasers' index rise could indicate "worst is over"

Chicago, June 29 (BridgeNews) - The Purchasing Management Association of Chicago said its index of area economic activity in June was at an adjusted 44.4, versus 38.7 in May. The prices paid component was at 51.0, versus May's 56.1, while the employment index was at 35.6, versus 33.4, and supplier deliveries were at 44.1, versus 45.0. A reading above 50.0 generally indicates expansion, while one below 50.0 usually means economic contraction.
The purchasing managers' group said the June index's level, at 44.4, was the highest this year, and the rise could indicate that "the worst is over."
The National Association of Purchasing Management's monthly survey is due Monday. The national index in May was 42.1.
About 200 companies participate in the Chicago-area survey, which covers northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.