The pace of business activity in the U.S. Midwest ticked up in June, helped by stronger employment, a report showed on Friday.

The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago business barometer rose to 52.9 from 52.7 in May, beating economists' forecasts for a slight tick down to 52.5.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the regional economy.

The forward-looking new orders index sagged to 51.9, from 52.9, while the gauge of employment rose to 60.4, from 57.0.