22.12.202513:30:00UTC+00Chicago Fed National Activity Index Shows Improvement in September

The Chicago Federal Reserve Bank's National Activity Index, an essential gauge of economic activity and inflationary pressures in the United States, showed signs of improvement in September 2025. Updated data released on December 22, 2025, revealed that the index climbed to -0.21, compared to the previous measure of -0.31 in October 2025.

The index signaled a lesser contraction in economic activity, suggesting a gradual recovery as the U.S. economy continues to recalibrate post-pandemic. The Chicago Fed National Activity Index is a composite of 85 monthly economic indicators, weighted to reflect differing levels of importance, with zero indicating trend growth. This less negative reading suggests that national economic activity was below average but on a path of gradual improvement in September.

Economists and market analysts closely monitor changes in this index for insights into modifications in economic performance and pressure points on inflation. With the index edging upwards, the outlook for the U.S. economy appears encouraging, provided the trend endures in subsequent months. Stakeholders are keen to see whether this positive momentum will persist into the final quarter of the year and beyond.