Chicago business activity growing for first time since November 2023

February 10, 2026 - 06:01

For the first time in nearly a year, Chicago's business activity has expanded, signaling a potential turning point for the city's economy. The latest data shows a welcome shift into growth territory, breaking a streak of contraction that began in November of last year.

This positive movement coincides with an improving employment landscape. Recent figures indicate the local job situation is recovering after facing significant challenges, having previously touched its lowest point in over a decade and a half. The simultaneous improvement in both business activity and employment metrics offers a more optimistic outlook for the region's economic health.

Analysts suggest this dual progress points to increasing business confidence and resilience. Companies appear to be moving past a period of caution, potentially leading to more stable hiring and investment. While the pace of growth remains modest, the expansion ends a difficult period and provides a foundation for continued recovery. The focus now shifts to whether this positive momentum can be sustained in the coming months, fostering a more robust economic environment for businesses and workers across the Chicago area.