ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: November 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that service related business activity improved slightly throughout November with the business activity component increasing on the month while the overall non-manufacturing index declined falling to 52.0 from 52.9 in October.

At 56.2 the business activity index increased 4.46% since October but remained 5.39% below the level seen a year earlier.

Like releases of prior months, non-manufacturing sector respondents are seeing some signs of improvement but the overall outlook is still fairly mixed:

"Business activity continues to swing back and forth. Customer traffic remains lower than expected, but discretionary spending is fluctuating, making it difficult to find the pulse of the consumer." (Arts, Entertainment & Recreation)

"Lending is getting a little better. Competition for good deals is fierce because there remains a very limited number of high-quality borrowers." (Finance & Insurance)

"Raw materials prices appear to be stabilizing, and in some cases are dropping. Diesel fuels remain elevated and have not dropped." (Mining)

"We currently see no signs of a turnaround. Customers are nervous about the future of their jobs and incomes. Due to this fact, our sales are down and our need to hire more employees is, too." (Accommodation & Food Services)

"Business is slowly improving. Outlook for the next few months is good." (Retail Trade)

"In the face of an extremely tight business climate, prices continue to be sticky. We are not seeing significant price moderation." (Management of Companies & Support Services)

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: October 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that overall service related economic activity weakened notably throughout October as the business activity component declining on the month.

At 53.8 the business activity index declined a notable 5.78% since September falling 8.03% below the level seen a year earlier.

Like releases of prior months, the non-manufacturing sector respondents are raising some concern over a sluggish economy and weak sales:

"Business is fairly flat, with a slight increase noted for the month." (Health Care & Social Assistance)

"Sales are increasing slightly, but are still lower than they have been historically." (Public Administration)

"Some slowdown in the last month." (Finance & Insurance)

"The poor economy is creating a drag on expected revenue through the end of this year." (Information)

"Overall, we are still growing, but we are beginning to see some cautiousness reflected in our customers." (Wholesale Trade)

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: September 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that overall service related economic activity remained weak throughout September while the business activity component improved on the month.

At 57.1 the business activity index increased 2.7% since August while climbing 4.96% above the level seen a year earlier.

Like releases of prior months, the non-manufacturing sector respondents are raising some concern over a sluggish economy, pricing pressure and hesitant customers:

"Weak consumer confidence and high gas prices are placing downward pressure on retail sales volume." (Information)

"Business volume outlook and confidence across many market areas in North America appear to be softening." (Mining)

"It appears everyone is waiting to see what happens next. No trust in the economy or the federal government to do what is needed." (Accommodation & Food Services)

"Third and fourth quarters appear to be slowing down in order volumes. Uncertainty over U.S. and European economy is causing clients to hold off on new orders." (Professional, Scientific & Technical Services)

"Negative forecast for housing market's future leads us to think we will be at current levels of business at best for the foreseeable future." (Wholesale Trade)

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: July 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that overall service related economic activity continued to pull back a bit throughout July while the business activity component increased on the month.

At 56.1 the business activity index increased a notable 5.06% since June while sliding 0.36% below the level seen a year earlier.

Like the ISM Manufacturing index released earlier this month, the non-manufacturing sector respondents are raising some concern over sluggish growth:

"Sales and customer traffic recovered slightly, pulling even with last year after trending lower for several months. Discretionary spending per customer has continued to decline in all areas of the operation." (Arts, Entertainment & Recreation)

"Sales volumes are steady. Input costs are increasing." (Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting)

"Business outlook remains steady, but concerns about the second half of the year remain." (Professional, Scientific & Technical Services)

"Municipal government has not bounced back at a similar pace to the private sector." (Public Administration)

"New home construction is still very slow. Repair and remodel is the only bright spot." (Wholesale Trade)

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: June 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that service related economic activity continued to pull back a bit throughout June.

At 53.4 the business activity index weakened for the fourth consecutive month dropping 0.37% since May and sliding 6.64% below the level seen a year earlier.

Like the ISM Manufacturing index released earlier this month, the non-manufacturing sector respondents are raising some concern over sluggish growth:

"Business is still up, although some softening seen over last month." (Wholesale Trade)

"Orders are remaining steady, and outlook for this year is positive." (Professional, Scientific & Technical Services)

"Economic activity continues to be sluggish." (Management of Companies & Support Services)

"Have yet to see a real spark that ignites new and invigorated business — still seems lethargic and mired in recession-related preventative moves, and no one sees a real improvement ahead." (Public Administration)

"Commodities coming down in price, which should help stabilize inflation." (Retail Trade)

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: April 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that service related economic activity pulled back notably throughout April.

At 53.7 the business activity index weakened dropping 10.05% since March and sliding 8.83% below the level seen a year earlier.

Like the ISM Manufacturing index released earlier this month, the non-manufacturing sector respondents are raising some concern over pricing pressures:

"Looking forward with reserved caution. Cost of goods by this fall are a big worry." (Accommodation & Food Services)

"Continuing economic uncertainty will curtail or delay project spending for the immediate future." (Educational Services)

"Fuel prices continue to be challenging and in addition to shipping, are influencing the cost of materials." (Public Administration)

"We are seeing price increases in many areas, and the lead times are stretching out. Our business activities are improving at a moderate rate." (Wholesale Trade)

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: March 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that service related economic activity pulled back notably throughout March.

At 59.7 the business activity index weakened dropping 10.76% since February but still remaining 2.75% above the level seen a year earlier.

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: February 2011

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that service related economic activity continued to expand notably throughout February.

At 66.9 the business activity index strengthened from January climbing 21.42% above the level seen a year earlier.