Non-Manufacturing Index Records Increase for August

Tempe, AZ, October 5, 2016—The Non-Manufacturing Index registered 57.1% in September, 5.7 percentage points higher than the August reading of 51.4%, according to the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

This represents continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector at a faster rate.

The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased substantially to 60.3%, 8.5 percentage points higher than the August reading of 51.8%, reflecting growth for the 86th consecutive month, at a noticeably faster rate in September.

The New Orders Index registered 60%, 8.6 percentage points higher than the reading of 51.4% in August.

The Employment Index increased 6.5 percentage points in September to 57.2% from the August reading of 50.7%.

The Prices Index increased 2.2 percentage points from the August reading of 51.8% to 54%, indicating prices increased in September for the sixth consecutive month.

The 14 non-manufacturing industries reporting growth in September—listed in order—are: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Utilities; Retail Trade; Management of Companies & Support Services; Information; Health Care & Social Assistance; Transportation & Warehousing; Finance & Insurance; Construction; Other Services; Wholesale Trade; Public Administration; Accommodation & Food Services; and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services.

The four industries reporting contraction in September are: Mining; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; and Educational Services.