The ISM Non-Manufacturing Index registered 57.5 points in April, 2.3 percentage points above March’s figure. This was the 88th consecutive month of growth. Sixteen non-manufacturing industries reported growth in April, while only one reported contraction.
Growth in the Business Activity Index increased 3.5 points to 62.4. Seventeen industries reported increased business activity and one reported decreased activity. Respondents noted that business activity was very solid with higher activity over the past few months.
Non-manufacturing employment grew for the 38th consecutive month. The index decreased 0.2 percentage point to 51.4. Nine industries reported increased employment, while five reported decreased employment.
The New Orders Index rose 4.3 points to 63.2. Some respondents commented that they had won more projects and were ramping up new programs.
Supplier deliveries slowed for the 16th consecutive month, as the index registered 53.0 points (readings above 50 for this index indicate slower deliveries). Six industries reported slower deliveries, while one reported faster deliveries.
Read the ISM release.
