Services Sector Expands for May
The services sector expanded slightly for May, according to an Institute for Supply Management report released today. The Institute's Non-Manufacturing Index clocked in at 53.7% for May, up 0.6 percentage points from April and 0.1 points below analyst expectations.
An above-50 rating signals overall expansion, and the services sector has managed to increase its economic activity for 41 consecutive months. The index is comprised of 10 components, with all three of the main components registering gains for May. Business activity led the improvement at 56.5%, while new orders clocked in at 56%. Both business activity and new orders added 1.5 points from April's report. The services employment index barely managed growth, falling 1.9 points to chalk up a 50.1% reading for May.
On an industry-by-industry level, 13 of the 18 industries reflected reported growth. Accommodation and food services made the largest gains, followed by transportation and warehousing and arts, entertainment, and recreation. Mining reported the largest losses, while health care and social assistance and real estate, rental and listing also went red.
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