Chicago Business Barometer Rises in July

2026-07-31 14:47 By Larissa Caser 1 min. read

The Chicago Business Barometer rose to 57.6 in July 2026 from 56.7 in the previous month, remaining in expansionary territory for a third straight month and topping market expectations of 56.0.

The increase was driven by new orders, which climbed to their highest level since January 2022.

Meanwhile, supplier deliveries weakened, while order backlogs slipped back into contraction after two months above the neutral 50 mark.

Employment remained in contraction for a fifth consecutive month, falling to its lowest level since March, while production eased but stayed in expansion.

Prices paid was little changed, as respondents continued to cite geopolitical tensions and elevated energy costs despite signs of improving price stability.



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Chicago Business Barometer Rises in July
The Chicago Business Barometer rose to 57.6 in July 2026 from 56.7 in the previous month, remaining in expansionary territory for a third straight month and topping market expectations of 56.0. The increase was driven by new orders, which climbed to their highest level since January 2022. Meanwhile, supplier deliveries weakened, while order backlogs slipped back into contraction after two months above the neutral 50 mark. Employment remained in contraction for a fifth consecutive month, falling to its lowest level since March, while production eased but stayed in expansion. Prices paid was little changed, as respondents continued to cite geopolitical tensions and elevated energy costs despite signs of improving price stability.
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