--Chicago purchasers' Jul adjusted index at 38.0 vs Jun's 44.4
--Chicago purchasers' Jul prices paid at 48.5 vs Jun's 51.0
--Chicago purchasers' Jul employment at 32.3 vs Jun's 35.6
--Chicago purchasers' Jul supplier deliveries 44.8 vs Jun 44.1

Chicago, July 31 (BridgeNews) - The Purchasing Management Association of Chicago said its index of area economic activity in July was at an adjusted 38.0, versus 44.4 in June. The prices paid component was at 48.5, versus June's 51.0, while the employment index was at 32.3, versus 35.6, and supplier deliveries were at 44.8, versus 44.1. A reading above 50.0 generally indicates expansion, while one below 50.0 usually means economic contraction.
The purchasing managers' group said the business barometer lost last month's gain, dampening hopes that the worst might be over soon. Prices paid dropped below 50 for the first time since February 1999. Inventories were at the lowest level since December 1982. New Orders were back to April and May levels.
The National Association of Purchasing Management's monthly survey is due Wednesday. The national index in June was 44.7. About 200 companies participate in the Chicago-area survey, which covers northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.