Chicago Fed National Activity Index

Who: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

When: Around the last week of each month for month prior

What: The index is composed of 85 different economic indicators grouped into five broad categories giving an overall economic read. Readings below zero indicate an economy growing below its long-term trend rate, with less of a potential for rising inflation and readings above zero indicate an economy expanding.  First released publicly on March 5, 2001.

Why: It was first used to judge inflationary pressures but has also been shown to have a strong relationship with business cycles.