The Chicago Business Barometer plunged to 47.1 in August 2026 from 57.6 in July and missing market forecasts of 58.3. The latest data pointed to a renewed contraction in business activity and the steepest since December 2025. New orders declined sharply, dropping 15.4 points, but still above April's low. The production gauge slipped 8.8 points, recording its first and sizeable contraction since last December. Meanwhile, supplier deliveries eased 2.6 points, but remained in expansion for the 19th consecutive month.