Research >> Economics
ISM Non-Manufacturing Index up to 50.9%
|
Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector expanded in September, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.
The Non-Manufacturing Index registered 50.9 percent in September, 2.5 percentage points higher than the 48.4 percent registered in August, indicating growth in the non-manufacturing sector after 11 consecutive months of contraction. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 3.8 percentage points to 55.1 percent. This is the second consecutive month this index has reflected growth since September 2008. The New Orders Index increased 4.3 percentage points to 54.2 percent, and the Employment Index increased 0.8 percentage point to 44.3 percent. The Prices Index decreased 14.3 percentage points to 48.8 percent in September, indicating a significant reversal and decrease in prices paid from August. According to the NMI, five non-manufacturing industries reported growth in September. Even with the overall month-over-month growth reflected in the report this month, respondents' comments vary by industry and remain mixed about business conditions and the overall economy.
This month, we asked a special question with regard to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Fifteen of the 18 non-manufacturing industries expect to derive some benefit from the program, and 14 non-manufacturing industries responded that they expect their companies to see some benefit.
Posted: October 5, 2009 Monday 10:00 AM