The Chicago Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the United States jumped to 58.8 in September 2026, a sharp improvement from 47.1 in August 2026. The move from below to well above the 50-point threshold marks a notable shift from contraction toward expansion in business activity across the Chicago region’s manufacturing and related sectors.
This September reading suggests a robust pickup in new orders, production, or both, compared with the previous month, when the index signaled a slowdown. The return to expansion territory may point to improving business confidence and stronger operational conditions heading into the final quarter of the year.
The latest data, updated on 30 September 2026, will likely draw close attention from investors and analysts watching for signs of resilience in the U.S. industrial outlook amid evolving macroeconomic conditions.