Non-Manufacturing Index

The ISM’s index for measuring the sector’s overall health—known as the NMI—was 52.7 in July, a 0.6 percent decline from June. A reading above 50 represents growth. And even with the sequential decline in the NMI the report showed growth in the non-manufacturing sector for the 20th consecutive month.

Despite a backdrop of negative jobs reports, sluggish home sales, and cautious consumer spending, the non-manufacturing sector remains in decent shape based on the results of the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) Non-Manufacturing Report on Business, which showed growth for the 18th consecutive month in May.

With both the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) Manufacturing Report on Business and Non-Manufacturing Report on Business showing strong growth for 23 and 17 months, respectively, it was not surprising that the ISM’s Semiannual Economic Forecast point to continued economic growth throughout the rest of the year. The report, which was released this week, is based on feedback from U.S.-based purchasing and supply executives.

Coming on the heels of a 0.5 percent gain from June to July, the Institute of Supply Management’s Non-Manufacturing Report on Business displayed the ongoing signs of a fragile economy with a decline from July to August.

While various economic indices are showing signs of a declining economy, the Institute of Supply Management’s Non-Manufacturing Report on Business for July shows an economy that is still growing.