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    December 1, 2025

    Chicago Business Barometer fell to 18-month low in November

    Written by Brett Linton

    The Chicago Business Barometer tumbled to an 18-month low in November, according to Market News International (MNI) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The barometer surveys purchasing and supply management professionals in the Chicago area each month to gauge company-level business conditions. November marks the 24th consecutive month that the index has been in contraction.

    The November reading dipped seven points from October to 36.3, the lowest measure recorded since May 2024. This is a diffusion index, where a reading above 50 indicates improving business conditions and a reading below that indicates contraction. The index has only signaled expansion one time in the past three years (November 2023).

    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.

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