Financial News: Chicago Business Barometer Unexpectedly Indicates Slightly

Chicago Business Barometer Unexpectedly Indicates Slightly Faster Growth In July

07/31/2026 - 10:04:00 (RTTNews)

(RTTNews) - Chicago-area business activity unexpectedly increased at a slightly faster rate in the month of July, according to a report released by MNI Indicators on Friday.

MNI Indicators said its Chicago business barometer rose to 57.6 in July from 56.7 in June, with a reading above 50 indicating growth. Economists had expected the index to edge down to 56.0.

The unexpected uptick by the headline index largely reflected stronger new orders, as the new orders index spiked by 11.6 points.

Meanwhile, the report said the supplier deliveries pulled back by 9.5 points, more than unwinding June's strong rise.

The order backlogs index also slid by 5.2 points, reentering contraction territory after two months above the neutral 50 mark.

MNI Indicators said the employment index also fell by 3.8 points, remaining in contraction territory for a fifth straight month and hitting its lowest level since March.

The production index also eased by 1.4 points but remained in expansion territory for the seventh consecutive month.

On the inflation front, the report said the prices paid index edged down by 0.1 points, with respondents continuing to cite geopolitical factors and elevated energy costs as pricing pressures.

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com

Market News provided by RTTNews

RECENT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL NEWS

Portugal Inflation Eases To 3.0% In July (10 min(s), 21 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Portugal's consumer price inflation eased further in July to the lowest level in f ...Full Story»

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Improves More Than Previously Estimated In July (40 min(s), 21 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - A report released by the University of Michigan on Friday showed consumer sentiment in ...Full Story»

Chicago Business Barometer Unexpectedly Indicates Slightly Faster Growth In July (01 hr(s), 07 min(s), 21 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Chicago-area business activity unexpectedly increased at a slightly faster rate in the ...Full Story»

Poland Inflation Rises To 3.0% In July (01 hr(s), 16 min(s), 21 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Poland's consumer price inflation accelerated in July after easing in the previous ...Full Story»

Taiwan GDP Growth Eases To 12.92% In Q2 (01 hr(s), 37 min(s), 21 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Taiwan's economy logged a strong expansion in the second quarter, though the pace ...Full Story»

German Unemployment Rate Rises (02 hr(s), 21 min(s), 21 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Germany's unemployment increased unexpectedly in July, official data showed Friday ...Full Story»

Turkey Trade Gap Widens In June (02 hr(s), 40 min(s), 21 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Turkey's foreign trade deficit increased in June from a year ago as imports grew f ...Full Story»

Bank Of Japan Holds Key Rate Steady As Expected (02 hr(s), 44 min(s), 21 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - The Bank of Japan maintained its key interest rate on Friday after a quarter-point hik ...Full Story»