September Non-Manufacturing Sector Growth Continued But Slowed

Tempe, AZ, October 5, 2015—The non-manufacturing index (NMI) registered 56.9% in September, 2.1 percentage points lower than the August reading of 59%, according to the September 2015 ISM Report on Business. This represents continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector at a slower rate.

The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased to 60.2%, which is 3.7 percentage points lower than the August reading of 63.9%, reflecting growth for the 74th consecutive month at a slower rate.

The New Orders Index registered 56.7%, 6.7 percentage points lower than the reading of 63.4% in August.

The Employment Index increased 2.3 percentage points to 58.3% from the August reading of 56% and indicates growth for the 19th consecutive month.

The Prices Index decreased 2.4 percentage points from the August reading of 50.8% to 48.4%, indicating prices decreased in September for the first time since February of this year.

The 13 non-manufacturing industries reporting growth in September—listed in order—are Educational Services; Construction; Finance & Insurance; Health Care & Social Assistance; Utilities; Wholesale Trade; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Management of Companies & Support Services; Accommodation & Food Services; Information; Public Administration; and Transportation & Warehousing.

The four industries reporting contraction in September are: Mining; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Retail Trade; and Other Services.