Chicago PMI

Midwest Industrial Engine Stalls: Chicago PMI Plummets to 45.4 in Sudden March Contraction

The Midwest manufacturing sector, long considered the industrial heartbeat of the United States, suffered a stunning reversal in March 2026. The Chicago Business Barometer, commonly known as the Chicago PMI, collapsed to a reading of 45.4 this month, down sharply from February’s multi-year high of 57.7. This

Economic Indicators

Beyond Jobs: Key Economic Indicators Investors Are Watching for Market Health Clues

While monthly jobs reports often grab headlines, savvy investors are increasingly looking beyond employment figures to a broader array of economic indicators for a more nuanced understanding of market health. Two such crucial metrics, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation and the Chicago Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), are currently providing