By Jessica Coacci
Business activity in the Chicago area rose in February, a second consecutive month in expansionary territory after a two-year run below the key 50 mark.
The Chicago Business Barometer, compiled by MNI Indicators, increased to 57.7 in February from 54.0 in January. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected a reading of 52.5.
A measurement above 50 indicates an expansion in activity. Prior to January, the gauge had remained in contractionary territory since November 2023.
The rise was driven by increases in production, employment, new orders and supplier deliveries. A decline in order backlogs provided some offset.
Employment grew 7.7 points to the highest level since October 2021. New orders rose 2.9 points to the strongest level since January 2022.
Production and supplier deliveries also strengthened. Order backlogs slipped back into contractionary territory after one month above 50.
Prices paid ticked up 2.4 points, partially unwinding January’s sharp decrease, the survey said.
Write to Jessica Coacci at jessica.coacci@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 27, 2026 10:34 ET (15:34 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
