The Chicago Purchasing Managers' Business Barometer crept to 57.7 in March from 57.4 in February, the National Association of Purchasing Management-Chicago said Friday.
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The data is compiled on a seasonally adjusted basis. An index reading below 50 signals a slowing economy, while a level above 50 suggests expansion.
Economists polled by Thomson Reuters predicted a 56.8 reading for the index.
"Following a strong February, firms remained upbeat this month, with the increase led by four of the five components of the Barometer, as only Employment receded," according to the release. "March's positive outturn left the Q1 calendar quarter average at 55.1, the highest level since Q4 2014."
