by Calculated Risk on 9/26/2011 08:30:00 AM

This is a composite index from the Chicago Fed: Index shows economic activity weakened in August

Led by declines in production- and employment-related indicators, the Chicago Fed National Activity Index decreased to –0.43 in August from +0.02 in July. Contributions from three of the four broad categories of indicators that make up the index declined from July, and three of the four were negative in August.
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The index’s three-month moving average, CFNAI-MA3, ticked down to –0.28 in August from –0.27 in July. August’s CFNAI-MA3 suggests that growth in national economic activity was below its historical trend.

This graph shows the Chicago Fed National Activity Index (three month moving average) since 1967.

Click on graph for larger image in graph gallery.

According to the Chicago Fed:

A zero value for the index indicates that the national economy is expanding at its historical trend rate of growth; negative values indicate below-average growth; and positive values indicate above-average growth.

This index suggests the economy was still growing in August, but below trend.

Weekend:
• Schedule for Week of Sept 25th
• Summary for Week Ending Sept 23rd