ISM reports solid non-manufacturing output for February

Non-manufacturing output had a strong month in February, according to the Non-Manufacturing Report on Business, which was issued today by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The index ISM uses to measure non-manufacturing growth—known as the NMI–rose 3.0% to 59.7 (a reading of 50 or higher indicates growth is occurring), following a 1.3% decline to 56.7 from December to January. This reading represents the 109th consecutive month of NMI growth, with February’s NMI up 1.0% compared to the 12-month average of 58.7.ISM reported that each of the 18 non-manufacturing sectors it tracks reported growth in February, including: Trade; Mining; Educational Services; Utilities; Other Services; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Construction; Health Care & Social Assistance; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Public Administration; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Finance & Insurance; Information; Accommodation & Food Services; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; and Retail Trade.