Analysis
March 31, 2026
Chicago Business Barometer growth slows in March
Written by David Schollaert
The Chicago Business Barometer eased in March, after growing repeatedly from December to February. Still, despite tempered results, it marked the third month in expansion territory, 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. This is the third consecutive month of expansion for the index after 25 straight months in contraction.
The March reading eased 4.9 points to 52.8, according to MNI. The Barometer is a diffusion index. Readings above 50 indicate improving business conditions. Those below 50 indicate contraction.
MNI said the decline was primarily driven by employment (down 12.8 points to contractionary territory), production, and new orders. Increases in order backlogs and supplier deliveries provided some offset.
“Supplier deliveries rose 4.9 to the highest level since December 2024. The proportion of respondents reporting lower supplier deliveries jumped to the most since October 2022,” MNI said in a statement.
The survey ran from March 1-16.
View the full release here.
