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    Distributors/Service Centers

    January 5, 2026

    Chicago Business Barometer rebounds in December

    Written by Brett Linton

    The Chicago Business Barometer increased in December after hitting 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. December marked the 25th consecutive month that the index has been in 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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