2026.04.2312:30:00UTC+00Chicago Fed National Activity Index Turns Negative in March, Signaling Softer U.S. Growth

The U.S. economy showed signs of cooling in March as the Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) slipped into negative territory. The index declined to -0.20 in March 2026 from a revised 0.03 in February 2026, according to data updated on 23 April 2026.

The move from a slightly positive reading to a negative one suggests that overall economic activity slipped below its historical trend in March. While a single month’s decline does not confirm a downturn, the shift indicates softer momentum compared with February’s near-neutral performance. Investors and policymakers often monitor the CFNAI for early indications of broader changes in U.S. economic conditions.

The latest reading will likely feed into ongoing market debates about the durability of U.S. growth and the appropriate stance of economic policy heading into the rest of 2026. Further data in the coming months will be key to determining whether March’s negative print represents a temporary pause or the start of a more sustained moderation in activity.