February Non-Manufacturing Index Reports Slowed but Positive Growth

Tempe, AZ, March 3, 2016—The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Non-Manufacturing Business Survey registered 53.4% in February, 0.1 percentage point lower than the January reading of 53.5%. This represents continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector at a slightly slower rate.

The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased to 57.8%, 3.9 percentage points higher than the January reading of 53.9%, reflecting growth for the 79th consecutive month at a faster rate.

The New Orders Index registered 55.5%, 1 percentage point lower than the reading of 56.5% in January.

The Employment Index decreased 2.4 percentage points to 49.7% from the January reading of 52.1% and indicates contraction after 23 consecutive months of growth. This is the first time the employment index has contracted since February 2014.

The Prices Index decreased 0.9 percentage point from the January reading of 46.4% to 45.5%, indicating prices decreased in February for the fourth time in the last six months.

The 14 non-manufacturing industries reporting growth in February—listed in order—are Accommodation & Food Services; Management of Companies & Support Services; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Utilities; Construction; Finance & Insurance; Transportation & Warehousing; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Public Administration; Health Care & Social Assistance; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Educational Services; Information; and Wholesale Trade. The three industries reporting contraction in February are: Mining; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; and Retail Trade.