by Calculated Risk on 8/03/2012 12:51:00 PM

Earlier ... the July ISM Non-manufacturing index was at 52.6%, up from 52.1% in June. The employment index decreased in July to 49.3%, down from 52.3% in June. Note: Above 50 indicates expansion, below 50 contraction.

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

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in July for the 31st 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 52.6 percent in July, 0.5 percentage point higher than the 52.1 percent registered in June. This indicates continued growth this month at a slighter faster rate in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index registered 57.2 percent, which is 5.5 percentage points higher than the 51.7 percent reported in June, reflecting growth for the 36th consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased by 1 percentage point to 54.3 percent. The Employment Index decreased by 3 percentage points to 49.3 percent, indicating contraction in employment for the first time since December 2011. The Prices Index increased 6 percentage points to 54.9 percent, indicating higher month-over-month prices when compared to June. According to the NMI, 11 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in July. 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 above the consensus forecast of 52.0% and indicates slightly faster expansion in July than in June. The internals were mixed with the employment index weaker, and new orders stronger.