by Calculated Risk on 7/05/2012 10:07:00 AM

The June ISM Non-manufacturing index was at 52.1%, down from 53.7% in May. The employment index increased in June to 52.3%, up from 50.8% in May. Note: Above 50 indicates expansion, below 50 contraction.

From the Institute for Supply Management: May 2012 Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in June for the 30th 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 52.1 percent in June, 1.6 percentage points lower than the 53.7 percent registered in May. This indicates continued growth this month at a slower rate in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index registered 51.7 percent, which is 3.9 percentage points lower than the 55.6 percent reported in May, reflecting growth for the 35th consecutive month. The New Orders Index decreased by 2.2 percentage points to 53.3 percent, and the Employment Index increased by 1.5 percentage points to 52.3 percent, indicating continued growth in employment at a faster rate. The Prices Index decreased 0.9 percentage point to 48.9 percent, indicating lower month-over-month prices for the second consecutive month. According to the NMI, 12 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in June. Respondents' comments are mixed and vary by industry and company."

Click on graph for larger image.

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

This was below the consensus forecast of 53.0% and indicates slower expansion in June than in May.