The Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) rose to +0.14 in April 2026 from a revised –0.15 in March, its highest reading since March 2025. This rebound signals strengthening economic momentum, led primarily by a strong recovery in production activity.
Of the four broad categories that make up the index, two improved from March, and two contributed positively to overall growth in April. Production-related indicators contributed +0.18 (up from –0.13 in March), while sales, orders, and inventories added +0.02 (up from –0.03). By contrast, employment-related indicators shaved –0.02 off the index (down from neutral in March), and personal consumption and housing detracted –0.04 (also down from neutral).
