Chicago Business Barometer (Chicago PMI) September 2026 Remains in Contraction Below 50.0 (MNI Markets, Release September 30, 2026, confirmed by MNI or Bloomberg by September 30, 2026)
Pending
✦ AI-generated prediction
Published on 26. September 2026
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Predicted for 30. September 2026
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Based on: Historical Cycle
Chicago PMI plunged from 57.6 (July) to 47.1 in August 2026 — a monthly loss of 10.5 points, the lowest reading year-to-date. The Conference Board Expectations Index at 68.2 has remained below the recessionary threshold of 80 since February 2025. Returning to expansion (>50) would require a +2.9 point jump — historically atypical within one month after such a sharp drop. Structural factors (weak Midwest industrial orders, elevated inventories, Fed rate at 4.25%) favor continued contraction. No specific Polymarket/Kalshi markets for this indicator; estimate based on historical PMI persistence after -10-point shocks (~70% remain below 50 the following month).
Data basis for this prediction
- MNI Chicago Business Barometer August 2026: 47,1 Punkte (tradingeconomics.com, 26.09.2026)
- Rückgang Juli→August 2026: 57,6→47,1 = −10,5 MoM (advisorperspectives.com, Aug 2026)
- Conference Board Expectations Index August 2026: 68,2 (unter Schwelle 80 seit Feb 2025)
- Veröffentlichungstermin September-PMI: 30.09.2026, MNI Markets
Note: This is an AI-generated statistical forecast for entertainment and information purposes. It does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument.
Verdict: Pending
This prediction is still open. It will be evaluated automatically against real-world sources after its due date.
📈 Economy
✦ AI
The Bloomberg consensus for September NFP is approximately +100,000, underpinned by weaker NFIB hiring intentions, declining JOLTS job openings, and weekly jobless claims (latest: 197,000 for the week ending September 19, 2026, published September 24). The open Cassandra prediction for unemployment (≥4.2%) is consistent with a sub-trend payroll print. The Kalshi market 'US NFP September < 150k 2026' trades at approximately 60%. Historical NFP standard deviation is ±100,000; with consensus at +100,000, P(print < 140,000) ≈ 65%.
📈 Economy
✦ AI
Consumer Confidence Index fell to 89.4 in August 2026 (−0.8 vs. July). The Expectations sub-index at 68.2 has remained below the recessionary threshold of 80.0 for 18 consecutive months. Exceeding 91.0 in September would require a +1.6 point rise. Headwinds: persistent tariff uncertainty under the Trump administration, high consumer credit rates, weak housing market. Tailwinds: strong S&P 500 (7,742 on September 25, 2026) and robust labor market (Initial Claims most recently 197,000). Conflicting forces cap a strong recovery. Kalshi still prices macroeconomic recession risk as material. Forecast: ~63% probability of staying below 91.0.
📈 Economy
✦ AI
WTI crude closed at $93.02 on September 25, 2026 (convextrade.com), while Brent ICE settled at $104.37 — an unusually wide spread of ~$11 vs. the historical norm of $2–5. The reason: US crude is more sensitive to downside from ongoing US-Iran Strait of Hormuz negotiations than globally-priced Brent. The existing prediction (agreement by Oct 31) implies no surprise deal before Sep 30, limiting further spread widening. For WTI to fall below $90 by Sep 30, it would need to drop >3.3% in 4 trading days — possible on an Iran surprise deal but not the base case. No Polymarket/Kalshi market found for WTI Sep30; estimate based on current price and spread analysis.