The latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Activity Index registered 60.3%, which is 0.9% point lower than the 61.2% reported in November, reflecting growth for the 41st consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased by 1.2% points to 59.3%.
According to the NMI, 13 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in December. Respondents’ comments remain mixed and are mostly positive about business conditions and the economy.
The 13 non-manufacturing industries reporting growth in December — listed in order — are: information; construction; retail trade; finance & insurance; public administration; other services; arts, entertainment & recreation; agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting; mining; real estate, rental & leasing; health care & social assistance; utilities; and transportation & warehousing. The five industries reporting contraction in December are: accommodation & food services; professional, scientific & technical services; wholesale trade; educational services; and management of companies & support services.
Commodities reported as being up in price include bearings; beef; carbon pipe; cement and corn products. The report added that no commodities are reported in short supply.
The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 48.5% in December, indicating that supplier deliveries were faster in December for the second consecutive month. A reading above 50% indicates slower deliveries, while a reading below 50% indicates faster deliveries.
The five industries reporting slower deliveries in December are: utilities; educational services; information; wholesale trade; and professional, scientific & technical services. The seven industries reporting faster supplier deliveries in December — listed in order — are: transportation & warehousing; other services; retail trade; construction; health care & social assistance; finance & insurance; and public administration.
ISM’s Non-Manufacturing Backlog of Orders Index contracted in December for the third time in the past four months. The index registered 49.5%, which is 4 percentage points lower than the 53.5% reported in November. Of the total respondents in December, 38% indicated they do not measure backlog of orders.
