by Calculated Risk on 12/03/2010 03:53:00 PM

Earlier employment posts:
• November Employment Report: 39,000 Jobs, 9.8% Unemployment Rate
• Employment Summary and Part Time Workers, Unemployed over 26 Weeks
• Seasonal Retail Hiring: Retailers remain cautious
• Graphics Gallery for Employment

The November ISM Non-manufacturing index was at 55.0%, up from 54.3% in October - and slightly above expectations of 54.7%. The employment index showed expansion in November at 52.7%, up from 50.9% in October. Note: Above 50 indicates expansion, below 50 contraction.

Click on graph for larger image in new window.

This graph shows the ISM non-manufacturing index (started in January 2008) and the ISM non-manufacturing employment diffusion index.

From the Institute for Supply Management: October 2010 Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in November for the 11th consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The report was issued today by Anthony Nieves, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 55 percent in November, 0.7 percentage point higher than the 54.3 percent registered in October, and indicating continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector at a slightly faster rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 1.4 percentage points to 57 percent, reflecting growth for the 12th consecutive month but at a slower rate than in October. The New Orders Index increased 1 percentage point to 57.7 percent, and the Employment Index increased 1.8 percentage points to 52.7 percent, indicating growth in employment for the third consecutive month and the fifth time in the last seven months. The Prices Index decreased 5.1 percentage points to 63.2 percent, indicating that prices increased slower in November. According to the NMI, 10 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in November. Respondents' comments mostly reflect cautious optimism. There is a degree of uncertainty that still remains for some industries and companies."
emphasis added

A little bit of positive economic news as opposed to the weak employment report.
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