Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in August for the eighth consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 51.5 percent in August, 2.8 percentage points lower than the 54.3 percent registered in July, indicating continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector but at a slower rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 3 percentage points to 54.4 percent, reflecting growth for the ninth consecutive month, but at a slower rate than in July. The New Orders Index decreased 4.3 percentage points to 52.4 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 2.7 percentage points to 48.2 percent, reflecting contraction after one month of growth. The Prices Index increased 7.6 percentage points to 60.3 percent in August, indicating that prices increased significantly in July. According to the NMI, nine non-manufacturing industries reported growth in August. Respondents' comments continue to be mixed about business conditions and the state of the overall economy.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in July for the seventh consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 54.3 percent in July, 0.5 percentage point higher than the 53.8 percent registered in June, indicating continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector at a slightly faster rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 0.7 percentage point to 57.4 percent, reflecting growth for the eighth consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased 2.3 percentage points to 56.7 percent, and the Employment Index increased 1.2 percentage points to 50.9 percent, reflecting growth after one month of contraction. The Prices Index decreased 1.1 percentage points to 52.7 percent in July, indicating that prices are still increasing but at a slower rate than in June. According to the NMI, 13 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in July. Respondents' comments are mixed. They vary by industry and company, with a tilt toward cautious optimism about business conditions.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in June for the sixth consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 53.8 percent in June, 1.6 percentage points lower than the 55.4 percent registered in May, indicating continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector, but at a slightly slower rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 3 percentage points to 58.1 percent, reflecting growth for the seventh consecutive month. The New Orders Index decreased 2.7 percentage points to 54.4 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 0.7 percentage point to 49.7 percent, reflecting contraction after one month of growth. The Prices Index decreased 6.8 percentage points to 53.8 percent in June, indicating that prices are still increasing but at a slower rate than in May. According to the NMI, 15 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in June. Respondents' comments are mostly positive about business conditions; however, there is concern about the effect of employment on the economic recovery.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in May for the fifth consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 55.4 percent in May, the same percentage as registered in both April and March, indicating continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 0.8 percentage point to 61.1 percent, reflecting growth for the sixth consecutive month. The New Orders Index decreased 1.1 percentage points to 57.1 percent, and the Employment Index increased 0.9 percentage point to 50.4 percent, reflecting growth for the first time after 28 consecutive months of contraction. The Prices Index decreased 4.1 percentage points to 60.6 percent in May, indicating that prices are still increasing but at a slower rate than in April. According to the NMI, 16 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in May. Respondents' comments remain mostly positive about current business conditions and the general direction of the economy.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in April for the fourth consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 55.4 percent in April, the same percentage as registered in March, and indicating growth in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 0.3 percentage point to 60.3 percent, reflecting growth for the fifth consecutive month. The New Orders Index decreased 4.1 percentage points to 58.2 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 0.3 percentage point to 49.5 percent. The Prices Index increased 1.8 percentage points to 64.7 percent in April, indicating an increase in prices paid from March. According to the NMI, 14 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in April. Respondents' comments are mostly positive about current business conditions; however, they vary by industry and company.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in March for the third consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 55.4 percent in March, 2.4 percentage points higher than the seasonally adjusted 53 percent registered in February, and indicating growth in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 5.2 percentage points to 60 percent, reflecting growth for the fourth consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased 7.3 percentage points to 62.3 percent, and the Employment Index increased 1.2 percentage points to 49.8 percent. The Prices Index increased 2.5 percentage points to 62.9 percent in March, indicating an increase in prices paid from February. According to the NMI, 14 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in March. Respondents' comments are mostly positive about business conditions and the direction of the economy.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in February for the second consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 53 percent in February, 2.5 percentage points higher than the seasonally adjusted 50.5 percent registered in January, indicating growth in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 2.6 percentage points to 54.8 percent, reflecting growth for the third consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased 0.3 percentage point to 55 percent, and the Employment Index increased 4 percentage points to 48.6 percent. The Prices Index decreased 0.8 percentage point to 60.4 percent in February, indicating an increase in prices paid from January. According to the NMI, nine non-manufacturing industries reported growth in February. Respondents' comments vary by industry and company about business conditions.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in January, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 50.5 percent in January, 0.7 percentage point higher than the seasonally adjusted 49.8 percent registered in December, indicating growth in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 1 percentage point to 52.2 percent, reflecting growth for the second consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased 2.7 percentage points to 54.7 percent, and the Employment Index increased 1 percentage point to 44.6 percent. The Prices Index increased 1.6 percentage points to 61.2 percent in January, indicating an increase in prices paid from December. According to the NMI, four non-manufacturing industries reported growth in January. Respondents' comments overall are cautiously optimistic about business conditions.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in December after one month of contraction, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The Non-Manufacturing Index registered 50.1 percent in December, 1.4 percentage points higher than the 48.7 percent registered in November, indicating growth in the non-manufacturing sector for three out of the last four months. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 4.1 percentage points to 53.7 percent, reflecting growth after contracting for one month. The New Orders Index decreased 3 percentage points to 52.1 percent, and the Employment Index increased 2.4 percentage points to 44 percent. The Prices Index increased 0.9 percentage point to 58.7 percent in December, indicating a slight increase in prices paid from November. According to the NMI, seven non-manufacturing industries reported growth in December. Respondents' comments vary by industry and, for the most part, are either neutral or slightly more optimistic about business conditions.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector contracted in November after two consecutive months of expansion, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 48.7 percent in November, 1.9 percentage points lower than the 50.6 percent registered in October, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector after two consecutive months of expansion. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 5.6 percentage points to 49.6 percent, reflecting contraction after three consecutive months of growth. The New Orders Index decreased 0.5 percentage point to 55.1 percent, and the Employment Index increased 0.5 percentage point to 41.6 percent. The Prices Index increased 4.8 percentage points to 57.8 percent in November, indicating an increase in prices paid from October. According to the NMI, six non-manufacturing industries reported growth in November. Respondents' comments remain cautious about business conditions and reflect concern over the length of time for economic recovery.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector expanded in October for the second consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The Non-Manufacturing Index registered 50.6 percent in October, 0.3 percentage point lower than the 50.9 percent registered in September, indicating growth in the non-manufacturing sector for the second consecutive month, but at a slightly slower rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 0.1 percentage point to 55.2 percent. This is the third consecutive month this index has reflected growth since September 2008. The New Orders Index increased 1.4 percentage points to 55.6 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 3.2 percentage points to 41.1 percent. The Prices Index increased 4.2 percentage points to 53 percent in October, indicating an increase in prices paid from September. According to the NMI, nine non-manufacturing industries reported growth in October. Respondents' comments remain mixed and are mostly cautious about business conditions and the overall economy.

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.

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector contracted in August, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The Non-Manufacturing Index registered 48.4 percent in August, 2 percentage points higher than the 46.4 percent registered in July, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the 11th consecutive month but at a slower rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 5.2 percentage points to 51.3 percent. This is the first time this index has reflected growth since September 2008. The New Orders Index increased 1.8 percentage points to 49.9 percent, and the Employment Index increased 2 percentage points to 43.5 percent. The Prices Index increased 21.8 percentage points to 63.1 percent in August, indicating a substantial increase in prices paid from July. According to the NMI, six non-manufacturing industries reported growth in August. Respondents' comments are mixed about business conditions and the overall economy; however, there is an increase in comments indicating that there are signs of improvement going forward.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 46.4 percent in July, 0.6 percentage point lower than the 47 percent registered in June, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the 10th consecutive month, at a slightly faster rate.

The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 3.7 percentage points to 46.1 percent. The New Orders Index decreased 0.5 percentage point to 48.1 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 1.9 percentage points to 41.5 percent. The Prices Index decreased 12.4 percentage points to 41.3 percent in July, indicating a significant decrease in prices paid from June. According to the NMI, seven non-manufacturing industries reported growth in July. The majority of respondents' comments reflect a sense of uncertainty and cautiousness about business conditions.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 47 percent in June, 3 percentage points higher than the 44 percent registered in May, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the ninth consecutive month, but at a slower rate.

The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 7.4 percentage points to 49.8 percent. The New Orders Index increased 4.2 percentage points to 48.6 percent, and the Employment Index increased 4.4 percentage points to 43.4 percent. The Prices Index increased 6.8 percentage points to 53.7 percent in June, indicating an increase in prices paid from May. This is the first time the index has registered above 50 percent since October 2008. According to the NMI, six non-manufacturing industries reported growth in June. Respondents' comments continue to be mixed and tend to be industry- and company-specific about business conditions.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 44 percent in May, 0.3 percentage point higher than the 43.7 percent registered in April, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the eighth consecutive month, but at a slightly slower rate.

The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 2.8 percentage points to 42.4 percent. The New Orders Index decreased 2.6 percentage points to 44.4 percent, and the Employment Index increased 2 percentage points to 39 percent. The Prices Index increased 6.9 percentage points to 46.9 percent in May, indicating a slower decrease in prices from April. According to the NMI, six non-manufacturing industries reported growth in May. Respondents' comments remain mixed and vary by industry and company. Some respondents indicate that there are signs of stabilization, while others continue to have a negative outlook on the economy.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 43.7 percent in April, 2.9 percentage points higher than the 40.8 percent registered in March, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the seventh consecutive month, but at a slower rate.

The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 1.1 percentage points to 45.2 percent. The New Orders Index increased 8.2 percentage points to 47 percent, and the Employment Index increased 4.7 percentage points to 37 percent. The Prices Index increased 0.9 percentage point to 40 percent in April, indicating a slightly slower decrease in prices from March. According to the NMI, seven non-manufacturing industries reported growth in April. Respondents' comments are mixed and they vary by company and industry about economic conditions.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 40.8 percent in March, 0.8 percentage point lower than the 41.6 percent registered in February, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the sixth consecutive month at a slightly faster rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 3.9 percentage points to 44.1 percent. The New Orders Index decreased 1.9 percentage points to 38.8 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 5 percentage points to 32.3 percent.

The Prices Index decreased 9 percentage points to 39.1 percent in March, indicating a faster decrease in prices from February. According to the NMI, one non-manufacturing industry reported growth in March. Respondents remain concerned about the negative economic outlook and rising unemployment. A special question was asked with regard to the Economic Stimulus Package, and eight of the 18 industries expect to derive some benefit from the stimulus.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 41.6 percent in February, 1.3 percentage points lower than the 42.9 percent registered in January, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the fifth consecutive month at a slightly faster rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 4 percentage points to 40.2 percent. The New Orders Index decreased 0.9 percentage point to 40.7 percent, and the Employment Index increased 2.9 percentage points to 37.3 percent.

The Prices Index increased 5.6 percentage points to 48.1 percent in February, indicating a slower decrease in prices from January. According to the NMI, one non-manufacturing industry reported growth in February. Respondents are concerned about the soft market conditions, the negative outlook for employment and the overall state of the economy.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 42.9 percent in January, 2.8 percentage points higher than the seasonally adjusted 40.1 percent registered in December, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the fourth consecutive month, but at a slightly slower rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 5.3 percentage points to 44.2 percent. The New Orders Index increased 2.7 percentage points to 41.6 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 0.1 percentage point to 34.4 percent.

The Prices Index increased 6.4 percentage points to 42.5 percent in January, indicating a decrease in prices from December. According to the NMI, two non-manufacturing industries reported growth in January. Respondents are concerned about the global economy and the continued decline in business and spending.

The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 40.6 percent in December, 3.3 percentage points higher than the 37.3 percent registered in November, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the third consecutive month, but at a slightly slower rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 6.6 percentage points to 39.6 percent. The New Orders Index increased 4.5 percentage points to 39.9 percent, and the Employment Index increased 3.4 percentage points to 34.7 percent.

The Prices Index decreased 0.6 percentage point to 36 percent in December, indicating a decrease in prices from November. This is the lowest level for the index since it was first reported in 1997. According to the NMI, one non-manufacturing industry reported growth in December. Respondents' comments reflect concern about the overall decline in business, lack of funding, budget cuts and lower employment.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing Index registered 37.3 percent in November, 7.1 percentage points lower than the 44.4 percent registered in October, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the second consecutive month. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 11.2 percentage points to 33 percent. The New Orders Index decreased 8.6 percentage points to 35.4 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 10.2 percentage points to 31.3 percent. These are the lowest levels for each of these indexes since they were first reported in 1997.

The Prices Index decreased 16.8 percentage points to 36.6 percent in November, indicating a decrease in prices from October. This is the largest-ever one-month decline in the index and its lowest level since it was first reported in 1997. According to the NMI, one non-manufacturing industry reported growth in November. Respondents' comments reflect concern about the time line for the economy to stabilize and the impact it is having on discretionary spending and employment.

The ISM Non-Manufacturing Index registered 44.4 percent in October, 5.8 percentage points lower than the 50.2 percent registered in September, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector after two consecutive months of growth. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 7.9 percentage points to 44.2 percent. The New Orders Index decreased 6.8 percentage points to 44 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 2.7 percentage points to 41.5 percent. The Prices Index decreased 16.6 percentage points to 53.4 percent in October, indicating a slower rate in price increases than in September. This is the lowest reading for the Prices Index since July 2003 when it registered 51.4 percent, and is also the largest one-month decline since the index was first reported in 1997. According to the NMI, three non-manufacturing industries reported growth in October. Respondents' comments indicate ongoing concern about the business environment and the economy

"The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 50.2 percent in September, 0.4 percentage point lower than the 50.6 percent registered in August, indicating growth for the second consecutive month in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 0.5 percentage point to 52.1 percent. The New Orders Index increased 1.1 percentage points to 50.8 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 1.2 percentage points to 44.2 percent.

The Prices Index decreased 2.9 percentage points to 70 percent in September, indicating a slower rate in price increases than in August. According to the NMI, 10 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in September. Respondents' comments are positive about the reduction in fuel and commodity costs; however, they remain concerned about overall market conditions and the economy."

"The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) increased 1.3 percentage points in July to 49.5 percent, indicating contraction for the second consecutive month in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 0.3 percentage point to 49.6 percent. The New Orders Index decreased 0.7 percentage point to 47.9 percent, and the Employment Index increased 3.3 percentage points to 47.1 percent.

The Prices Index decreased 3.7 percentage points to 80.8 percent in July, indicating a slower rate in price increases than in June. According to the NMI, nine non-manufacturing industries reported growth in July. Members' comments in July indicate concern about inflationary pressures and the effect on the economy. Respondents' comments are mixed about business conditions and vary by industry and company."