The Chicago Business Barometer™, produced with MNI, rebounded 11.7 points to 58.8 in September. The Barometer is back in expansionary territory after one month below the neutral 50 mark and is now at its highest since May.
September 2026 Chicago Report™
The rise was driven by increases in Production, New Orders, Supplier Deliveries and Order Backlogs. A decline in Employment provided some offset.
Production expanded 15.5 points to the highest level since May, returning to expansionary territory following one month in contraction.
New Orders advanced 13.3 points, a partial unwind of the prior decline. Some respondents attributed this to a seasonal improvement in orders.
Supplier Deliveries extended 9.6 points, marking a twentieth month above 50. No respondents reported faster delivery times compared to last month. Some highlighted constraints in availability and delivery of electronic components and other commodities.
Order Backlogs rose 8.4 points but remained in contraction for a third consecutive month.
Employment softened 4.3 points, back to contraction after one month in expansionary territory.
The share reporting higher employment fell, while reports of workforce reduction edged up, with some citing outsourcing.
Prices Paid eased 3.7 points, now back around the level seen in July. The distribution of responses continues to indicate upward price pressure, as no respondents reported lower prices paid for the seventh consecutive month, while the share reporting increases moderated.
Inventories eased 0.6 points.
The survey ran from September 1 to September 15.
Chicago Business Barometer™ and ISM Manufacturing Index
Special Questions in September 2026
