by Calculated Risk on 6/03/2011 12:28:00 PM

Note: The traffic this morning overwhelmed the graph server. I'm working with the provider, and it appears everything is OK now. Here is the Employment graph gallery.

The May ISM Non-manufacturing index was at 54.6%, up from 52.8% in April. The employment index increased in May at 54.0%, up from 51.9% in April. Note: Above 50 indicates expansion, below 50 contraction.

From the Institute for Supply Management: May 2011 Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®

activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in May for the 18th 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 registered 54.6 percent in May, 1.8 percentage points higher than the 52.8 percent registered in April, and indicating continued growth at a faster rate in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 0.1 percentage point to 53.6 percent, reflecting growth for the 22nd consecutive month, but at a slightly slower rate than in April. The New Orders Index increased by 4.1 percentage points to 56.8 percent. The Employment Index increased 2.1 percentage points to 54 percent, indicating growth in employment for the ninth consecutive month and at a faster rate. The Prices Index decreased 0.5 percentage point to 69.6 percent, indicating that prices increased at a slightly slower rate in May when compared to April. According to the NMI, 16 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in May. Respondents' comments are mostly positive about overall business conditions. There is a sentiment that there is a degree of stability in the economy; however, a continued concern exists over fuel costs and various volatile commodities."
emphasis added

Click on graph for larger image in graph gallery.

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

Both moved up slightly in May, and this was slightly above expectations (a first for this week!)

Earlier Employment posts:
• May Employment Report: 54,000 Jobs, 9.1% Unemployment Rate
• Employment Summary, Part Time Workers, and Unemployed over 26 Weeks
• Employment graph gallery