ISM Non-Manufacturing Index Highest Since 2007
The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased 2.6% to 54.8%, reflecting growth for the third consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased 0.3% to 55%, and the Employment Index increased 4% to 48.6%. The Prices Index decreased 0.8% to 60.4% in February, indicating an increase in prices paid from January. According to the NMI, nine non-manufacturing industries reported growth in February."
According to Brian Wesbury and Bob Stein:
"The V-shaped recovery started earlier in the manufacturing sector but the service sector is now getting on board. The ISM Services index hit 53 in February despite a record blizzard on the East Coast and unusually large snowfall in the Midwest. The business activity index, which has an even stronger statistical link with real GDP growth than the overall index, rose to 54.8, the highest level since October 2007."
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