FX.co ★ Chicago Business Barometer Rises in July

The Chicago Business Barometer rose to 57.6 in July 2026 from 56.7 in June, marking a third consecutive month in expansionary territory and surpassing market expectations of 56.0. The gain was primarily driven by new orders, which reached their highest level since January 2022. In contrast, supplier deliveries softened, and order backlogs slipped back into contraction after two months above the neutral 50 threshold. Employment remained in contraction for the fifth straight month, falling to its lowest reading since March, while production moderated but continued to signal expansion. Prices paid were little changed, as respondents continued to highlight geopolitical tensions and elevated energy costs, even amid signs of improving price stability.