Input Stories

U.S. economic activity slowed at the start of 2025 (The Wall Street Journal, subscription).

What’s going on: “The Chicago Fed National Activity Index declined to minus 0.03 in January from 0.18 in December, according to new and revised figures. The reading below zero suggests growth lagged the long-term average.”

• Drops in production, housing and personal consumption activity accounted for the weaker reading.
• However, employment-related indicators picked up, indicating a strong labor market.

The context: “Periods of economic expansion have historically been associated with values of the CFNAI diffusion index above minus 0.35.”

Related news: Consumers’ confidence in the economy declined this month (CNN).