May - Chicago Business Barometer™
The Chicago Business Barometer™ slowed 4.1 points to 40.5 in May. This was the second consecutive fall, bring the index to the its lowest level since January. The index has now been below 50 for eigtheen consecutive months.
The decrease was driven by a fall in New Orders, Order Backlogs and Production. Supplier Deliveries and Employment rose relative to April.
May special question asked: "In light of extra economic uncertainty, are you considering further delaying Capital Investments?. Majority 48% answered "No change in capital investment plans". 24% responded "Extended delay until business conditions return", with 17% of respondents reporting "Temporary delay during tariff/economic negotiations". Balance 10% "Unknown".
Released May 30, 2025.
Managing a Polarized Workforce Without Abandoning Your Principles
Keep teams focused on the business to avoid division
To keep division from tearing your teams apart, create a respectful, work-focused culture by aligning them around shared objectives and modeling the calm and inclusive behavior you want, writes executive coach Dana Theus. "When you must take a stance, root it in these shared organizational and leadership values, not solely in personal idealogy. This builds trust based on your leadership actions, not agreement with your private beliefs," Theus advises.
Full Story: Inpower Coaching (05/08)
The Reshoring Institute asked 18 executives how they are responding to tariffs: Here is what they said
Overall, the executive's in a holding pattern until the tariffs and the economy stabilize, while many are considering alternative strategies
The Reshoring Institute asked 18 executives how they are responding to tariffs, with most saying they are in a holding pattern until more clarity emerges.
Full Story: Supply Chain Management Review (04/22)
