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    March 31, 2025

    Chicago Business Barometer rose to 16-month high in March

    Written by Brett Linton

    The Chicago Business Barometer increased for the third-consecutive month in March to a 16-month high, according to Market News International (MNI) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Despite these gains, the Barometer still reflects contracting business conditions, as it has since December 2023.

    The March Barometer reading increased by two points from February to 47.6. This is a diffusion index, where a reading above 50 indicates improving business conditions and a reading below that indicates contraction.

    Brett Linton

    Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

    Read more from Brett Linton

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