Non-Manufacturing Inched Down in April, Remained Positive

Tempe, AZ, May 3, 2019-The April Non-Manufacturing Index (NMI) registered 55.5%, which is 0.6 percentage point lower than the March reading of 56.1%, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business. 

This represents continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector, at a slightly slower rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased to 59.5%, 2.1 percentage points higher than the March reading of 57.4%, reflecting growth for the 117th consecutive month, at a faster rate in April. 

The New Orders Index registered 58.1%; 0.9 percentage point lower than the reading of 59% in March. 

The Employment Index decreased 2.2 percentage points in April to 53.7% from the March reading of 55.9%. 

The Prices Index decreased 3 percentage points from the March reading of 58.7% to 55.7%, indicating that prices increased in April for the 23rd consecutive month. 

The 15 non-manufacturing industries reporting growth in April-listed in order-are transportation & warehousing; professional, scientific & technical services; construction; accommodation & food services; agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting; public administration; health care & social assistance; utilities; other services; wholesale trade; management of companies & support services; mining; educational services; finance & insurance; and information.