ISM | Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index Drops (Graph)

The series below, the NMI Business Activity Index, shows a different picture of the economy than the more popular and more widely publicized NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index). The NMI rose .3 of a percent to 44. The BSI registered a 2.8 percent drop.

Business Activity

ISM's Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index in May registered 42.4 percent, a decrease of 2.8 percentage points when compared to the 45.2 percent registered in April. Six industries reported increased business activity, and 10 industries reported decreased activity for the month of May. Two industries reported no change from April. Comments from respondents include: "Many initiatives and plans on hold"; and "Delay in start date of new client projects."

The industries reporting growth of business activity in May — listed in order — are:

• Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Utilities; Construction; Retail Trade; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; and Accommodation & Food Services.
  
• The industries reporting decreased business activity in May — listed in order — are: Mining; Other Services; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Health Care & Social Assistance; Finance & Insurance; Educational Services; Wholesale Trade; Transportation & Warehousing; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; and Public Administration.

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Bob DeMarco is a citizen journalist and twenty year Wall Street veteran. Bob has written more than 500 articles with more than 11,000 links to his work on the Internet. Content from All American Investor has been syndicated on Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Pluck, Blog Critics, and a growing list of newspaper websites. Bob is actively seeking syndication and writing assignments.