Chicago Fed National Activity Index: Diffusion Index
CFNAIDIFF • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
-0.37
Year-over-Year Change
117.65%
Date Range
5/1/1967 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index Diffusion Index tracks the breadth of economic activity across multiple sectors and indicators. It provides a comprehensive view of overall economic momentum by measuring how widespread economic growth or contraction is across different economic dimensions.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This diffusion index represents the percentage of indicators showing positive or negative movement in the Chicago Fed National Activity Index. Economists use it to assess the synchronization and distribution of economic signals across various economic sectors and components.
Methodology
The index is calculated by determining the proportion of individual economic indicators showing positive or negative movement relative to their historical trends.
Historical Context
Policymakers and investors use this diffusion index to understand the broader economic landscape and potential turning points in economic cycles.
Key Facts
- Measures the breadth of economic activity across multiple sectors
- Provides insight into economic momentum and synchronization
- Helps identify potential economic turning points
FAQs
Q: What does a high diffusion index value indicate?
A: A high diffusion index value suggests widespread positive economic activity across multiple sectors and indicators.
Q: How frequently is this index updated?
A: The Chicago Fed National Activity Index is typically updated monthly with the most recent economic data.
Q: What sectors are included in the calculation?
A: The index incorporates indicators from production, employment, income, personal consumption, and housing sectors.
Q: How do economists use this diffusion index?
A: Economists use this index to assess overall economic health, potential recession risks, and the synchronization of economic signals.
Q: What are the limitations of this index?
A: The diffusion index provides a broad overview and should be used in conjunction with other economic indicators for comprehensive analysis.
Related News
U.S. Trade Deficit Decreases As Businesses Anticipate Tariff Hikes
U.S. Trade Deficit Reaches Two-Year Low Amid Anticipated Tariff Hikes The recent announcement that the U.S. trade deficit has reached a two-year lo...
Gen Z In the U.S. Shifts From Spending To Saving Habits
How Gen Z's Shift from Spending to Saving is Impacting the US Economy Recent trends indicate a significant shift in the spending habits of Gen Z, w...
U.S. Treasury Yields Decline After Inflation Data Meet Expectations
US Treasury Yields Drop as Inflation Data Meets Expectations US Treasury yields have seen a noticeable decline recently, as the latest inflation da...
S&P 500 Rises With Optimistic U.S. Inflation Report
S&P 500 Soars: Positive U.S. Inflation Developments The S&P 500, a primary stock index that tracks the performance of 500 major U.S. companies, has...
U.S. Stock Market Futures Rise On Inflation and Tariff News
US Stock Market Futures Rise Amid Inflation Data and Tariff News US stock market futures are on the rise, driven by significant updates in inflatio...
U.S. Stock Market Rises Amid PCE Inflation Report Analysis
U.S. Stock Market Climbs Amidst Insights from PCE Inflation Report Investors in the U.S. stock market are focusing on the most recent PCE Inflation...
Related Trends
Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: All Mining: Capital Stock and Other Capital (Less Treasury Stock)
QFRD326MINUSNO
Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Petroleum and Coal Products: All Other Noncurrent Liabilities
QFR320324USNO
Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Petroleum and Coal Products: Current Portion of Long-Term Debt, Due in 1 Year or Less: Loans from Banks
QFR310324USNO
Contributions to the Chicago Fed Midwest Economy Index: Indiana Contribution: Consumer Spending Sector
CONSUINM683SFRBCHI
Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: All Retail Trade: Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
QFR111RETUSNO
Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: All Professional and Technical Services, Except Legal Services: Property, Plant, and Equipment
QFR216PTSUSNO
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Chicago Fed National Activity Index: Diffusion Index [CFNAIDIFF], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025