The ISM non-manufacturing index climbed to 63.7% in March, firmly beating analysts' expectations and reaching its highest reading in recent history. The March reading followed February's significant decline, when the ups and downs of the race between the COVID-19 vaccine and new coronavirus variants wreaked havoc on businesses' operations. March's strong ... READ MORE >
ISM service sector index
CHART OF THE DAY: Service sector survey shows strength in January
A measurement of the services side of the economy rose to its highest level since well before the pandemic in January, another indication that the economy is poised for a recovery. The Institute for Supply Management said on Wednesday that its nonmanufacturing purchasing managers’ index came in at 58.7 for the month, up from December’s revised figure of ... READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: ISM service sector index growth continues
This pandemic recession is unlike all others, and Thursday’s release of the Institute for Supply Management’s survey of sentiment among firms in the service sector adds to the evidence. The November ISM Non-Manufacturing Index eased to 55.9, which is below the six-month average of 57.1, indicating solid growth in the service sector even as the pandemic ... READ MORE >
ISM service sector index: More pain ahead
The Institute for Supply Management’s April report on the service sector, like its manufacturing cousin, implies that the domestic economy has not yet troughed. The ISM said on Tuesday that the forward-looking new orders and business activity components of its Non-Manufacturing Index declined to 32.9 and 26, well below the 41.8 top line, suggesting that ... READ MORE >