In a recent update released on January 26, 2026, the Chicago Federal Reserve's National Activity Index displayed signs of economic stabilization for the United States in November 2025. The index rose from a previous reading of -0.21 in September 2025 to -0.04, suggesting a significant moderation in economic contraction.
The National Activity Index is a crucial measure, as it signals the economic health by compiling data from 85 different economic indicators across the nation. A figure close to zero generally points to a trend of economic stability and a balance between growth and contraction. The improvement from September to November indicates that while the economy is still below the optimal growth threshold, it is showing signs of gradual recovery.
Faced with varied global and domestic challenges, this near-zero figure is a silver lining that incites optimism among economists and policymakers. While there is still room for improvement, the moderation in the index could signal a potential balance in the economic forces influencing the U.S. economy, offering hope for stronger growth as 2026 unfolds.
