Non-Manu. Index Reported Growth at Slower Rate in Dec.

Tempe, AZ, January 7, 2019-The December Non-Manufacturing Index (NMI) registered 57.6%, which is 3.1 percentage points lower than the November reading of 60.7%, according to the latest Non-Manufacturing 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 59.9%, 5.3 percentage points lower than the November reading of 65.2%, reflecting growth for the 113th consecutive month, at a slower rate in December. 

The New Orders Index registered 62.7%, 0.2 percentage point higher than the reading of 62.5% in November. 

The Employment Index decreased 2.1 percentage points in December to 56.3% from the November reading of 58.4%. 

The Prices Index decreased 6.7 percentage points from the November reading of 64.3% to 57.6%, indicating that prices increased in December for the 34th consecutive month. 

The 16 non-manufacturing industries reporting growth in December-listed in order-are arts, entertainment & recreation; transportation & warehousing; health care & social assistance; retail trade; information; utilities; accommodation & food services; professional, scientific & technical services; public administration; other services; finance & insurance; wholesale trade; agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting; educational services; construction; and management of companies & support services. The only industry reporting a decrease in December is mining.