Story perspectives
Chicago Business Activity Plummets: New Orders Drop Sharply
8/30/2025
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Story summary
- Chicago-area business activity declined significantly in August 2025, with the business barometer falling to 41.5 from 47.1 in July.
- New orders decreased by 10.8 points, and the employment index reached its lowest level since June 2020.
- The prices paid index contracted for the second consecutive month but remains above the 2024 average.
