After reporting slowdowns in the pace of expansion in Chicago-area business activity in the two previous months, the Institute for Supply Management - Chicago released a report on Friday showing an unexpected acceleration in the pace of growth in the month of July.
The ISM Chicago said its business barometer rose to 62.3 in July from 59.1 in June, with a reading above 50 indicating growth in Chicago-area business activity. The increase surprised economists, who had expected the index to fall to a reading of 56.3.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.