ISM Non-manufacturing data - 10:am

Full report here August 2009 Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business® NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) at 48.4% 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 August 2009. Business Activity Index at 51.3% New Orders Index at 49.9% Employment Index at 43.5% (Tempe, Arizona) — Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector contracted in August, 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 48.4 percent in August, 2 percentage points higher than the 46.4 percent registered in July, indicating contraction in the non-manufacturing sector for the 11th consecutive month but at a slower rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 5.2 percentage points to 51.3 percent. This is the first time this index has reflected growth since September 2008. The New Orders Index increased 1.8 percentage points to 49.9 percent, and the Employment Index increased 2 percentage points to 43.5 percent. The Prices Index increased 21.8 percentage points to 63.1 percent in August, indicating a substantial increase in prices paid from July. According to the NMI, six non-manufacturing industries reported growth in August. Respondents' comments are mixed about business conditions and the overall economy; however, there is an increase in comments indicating that there are signs of improvement going forward." INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE (Based on the NMI) The six industries reporting growth in August based on the NMI composite index — listed in order — are: Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Health Care & Social Assistance; Transportation & Warehousing; Utilities; Accommodation & Food Services; and Information. The 12 industries reporting contraction in August — listed in order — are: Management of Companies & Support Services; Mining; Finance & Insurance; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Construction; Other Services; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Wholesale Trade; Educational Services; Public Administration; and Retail Trade. WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING ... * "While there are promising signs in the economy pointing toward the beginnings of a recovery, the financial services industry continues to be significantly affected by the downturn. Expectations are that the pace will begin to change by Q4 '09." (Finance & Insurance) * "Business is still soft due to overall economic conditions." (Wholesale Trade) * "There seems to be a more positive feeling about the economy." (Educational Services) * "Healthcare reform still has hospitals wondering how they are going to get paid at the end of the day." (Health Care & Social Assistance) * "Occupancy shows continued strength for the summer season, still below previous years' averages by 15% to 25%." (Accommodation & Food Services) * "Business steady — revenue down slightly; however, less than expected." (Arts, Entertainment & Recreation) * "Good first half results. Some evidence of consumers 'trading down.' Supplier lead times are very short." (Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting) More at link with formatted tables