ISM Non-Mfg Index - 10:00 am

Full report here October 2009 Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business® NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) at 50.6% DO NOT CONFUSE THIS NATIONAL REPORT with the various regional purchasing reports released across the country. The national report's information reflects the entire United States, while the regional reports contain primarily regional data from their local vicinities. Also, the information in the regional reports is not used in calculating the results of the national report. The information compiled in this report is for the month of October 2009. Business Activity Index at 55.2% New Orders Index at 55.6% Employment Index at 41.1% (Tempe, Arizona) — Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector expanded in October for the second consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®. The report was issued today by Anthony Nieves, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee; and senior vice president — supply management for Hilton Hotels Corporation. "The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 50.6 percent in October, 0.3 percentage point lower than the 50.9 percent registered in September, indicating growth in the non-manufacturing sector for the second consecutive month, but at a slightly slower rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 0.1 percentage point to 55.2 percent. This is the third consecutive month this index has reflected growth since September 2008. The New Orders Index increased 1.4 percentage points to 55.6 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 3.2 percentage points to 41.1 percent. The Prices Index increased 4.2 percentage points to 53 percent in October, indicating an increase in prices paid from September. According to the NMI, nine non-manufacturing industries reported growth in October. Respondents' comments remain mixed and are mostly cautious about business conditions and the overall economy." INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE (Based on the NMI) The nine industries reporting growth in October based on the NMI composite index — listed in order — are: Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Management of Companies & Support Services; Construction; Utilities; Retail Trade; Educational Services; Health Care & Social Assistance; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; and Wholesale Trade. The seven industries reporting contraction in October — listed in order — are: Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Other Services; Accommodation & Food Services; Transportation & Warehousing; Public Administration; Finance & Insurance; and Information. WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING ... * "General economic tone is still 'wait and see.' Capital outlays are postponed for durable goods." (Health Care & Social Assistance) * "Cost-cutting efforts continue." (Transportation & Warehousing) * "Overall business activity increasing — forecast even better market conditions in the coming months." (Construction) * "Business climate remains encouraging, but recovery will remain slow in rebounding." (Professional, Scientific & Technical Services) * "The weakening U.S. dollar contributing to upward pressure on commodity prices." (Wholesale Trade) * Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business® data is seasonally adjusted for Business Activity, New Orders, Prices and Employment. Manufacturing ISM Report On Business® data is seasonally adjusted for New Orders, Production, Employment, Supplier Deliveries and Inventories. ** Number of months moving in current direction COMMODITIES REPORTED UP / DOWN IN PRICE, and IN SHORT SUPPLY Commodities Up in Price Cheese (3); Fuel; Masks (for TB/H1N1 use); and Stretch Film. Commodities Down in Price Alloys; Beef; Chicken; Gasoline (2); Pork (2); and Steel Pipe. Commodities in Short Supply Masks (for TB/H1N1 use); and Printer Cartridges. Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item. More at link with formatted tables