by Calculated Risk on 3/03/2017 10:05:00 AM

The February ISM Non-manufacturing index was at 57.6%, up from 56.5% in January. The employment index increased in February to 55.2%, from 54.7%. Note: Above 50 indicates expansion, below 50 contraction.

From the Institute for Supply Management:February 2017 Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in February for the 86th 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, CPSM, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee: "The NMI® registered 57.6 percent, which is 1.1 percentage points higher than the January reading of 56.5 percent. This is the highest reading since October 2015 and represents continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector at a slightly faster rate. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased to 63.6 percent, 3.3 percentage points higher than the January reading of 60.3 percent, which is the highest reading since February 2011, when the index registered 63.8 percent, reflecting growth for the 91st consecutive month, at a faster rate in February. The New Orders Index registered 61.2 percent, 2.6 percentage points higher than the reading of 58.6 percent in January. This is the highest reading since August 2015, when the index registered 62.7 percent. The Employment Index increased 0.5 percentage point in February to 55.2 percent from the January reading of 54.7 percent. The Prices Index decreased 1.3 percentage points from the January reading of 59 percent to 57.7 percent, indicating prices increased for the 11th consecutive month, at a slower rate in February. According to the NMI®, 16 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in February. The non-manufacturing sector reflected strong growth in February after cooling off in January. Respondents’ comments continue to be mixed, with some uncertainty; however, the majority indicate a positive outlook on business conditions and the overall economy."
emphasis added

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 suggests faster expansion in February than in January.  A strong report.