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    Analysis

    February 1, 2026

    Chicago Business Barometer expands in January

    Written by David Schollaert

    The Chicago Business Barometer rose further in January, moving into expansion territory for the first time since November 2023, 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. January marks the first month of expansion for the index, following 25 consecutive months in contraction.

    David Schollaert

    David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

    Read more from David Schollaert

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