Economic Data - Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

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Economic Data

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago publishes data series covering subjects including regional economic information and national economic activity and financial conditions.

Local Economic Snapshot

With Local Economic Snapshot, search for a city, county, state, region, or Federal Reserve District to find economic, industry, and demographic information. Click on the map to view an area; double-click to zoom in.

Seventh Federal Reserve District

Served by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Seventh Federal Reserve District comprises Iowa and most of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Its largest metropolitan areas are Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Grand Rapids. More than 35 million people lived in the District as of 2021.

View an economic and demographic profile of the Seventh Federal Reserve District.

Regional Data

Beige Book

Officially known as the Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions by Federal Reserve District, the Beige Book summarizes anecdotal information on the economy gathered from business contacts, economists, market experts, community organizations, and other sources in each District. This web site shares the Chicago Fed’s latest contribution to the Beige Book. For the full reports, visit the Federal Reserve System site.

Chicago Fed Survey of Economic Conditions (CFSEC)

The Chicago Fed Survey of Economic Conditions (CFSEC) asks quantitative questions of organizations located in the Seventh Federal Reserve District. The Chicago Fed produces diffusion indexes based on the answers they provide.

National Data

Chicago Fed Advance Retail Trade Summary (CARTS)

The Chicago Fed Advance Retail Trade Summary (CARTS) tracks the U.S. Census Bureau's Monthly Retail Trade Survey on a weekly basis, providing an early snapshot of national retail spending.

Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI)

The Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) is calculated monthly and is designed to gauge overall economic activity and related inflationary pressure.

Note: A zero value for the CFNAI has been associated with the national economy expanding at its historical trend (average) rate of growth; negative values with below-average growth (in standard deviation units); and positive values with above-average growth.

National Financial Conditions Index (NFCI)

The Chicago Fed’s National Financial Conditions Index (NFCI) provides a comprehensive weekly update on U.S. financial conditions in money markets, debt and equity markets, and the traditional and “shadow” banking systems.