NMI™ at 56%; February Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®; Business Activity Index at 56.9%; New Orders Index at …

DO NOT CONFUSE THIS NATIONAL REPORT with the various regional purchasing reports released across the country. The national report's information reflects the entire United States, while the regional reports contain primarily regional data from their local vicinities. Also, the information in the regional reports is not used in calculating the results of the national report. The information compiled in this report is for the month of February 2013.

TEMPE, Ariz., March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in February for the 38th 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 56 percent in February, 0.8 percentage point higher than the 55.2 percent registered in January. This indicates continued growth at a slightly faster rate in the non-manufacturing sector. This month's reading also reflects the highest NMI since February 2012, when the index registered 56.1 percent. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index registered 56.9 percent, which is 0.5 percentage point higher than the 56.4 percent reported in January, reflecting growth for the 43rd consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased by 3.8 percentage points to 58.2 percent, and the Employment Index decreased 0.3 percentage point to 57.2 percent, indicating growth in employment for the seventh consecutive month. The Prices Index increased 3.7 percentage points to 61.7 percent, indicating prices increased at a faster rate in February when compared to January. According to the NMI, 13 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in February. The majority of respondents' comments reflect a growing optimism about the trend of the economy and overall business conditions."

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCEThe 13 non-manufacturing industries reporting growth in February listed in order are: Management of Companies & Support Services; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Public Administration; Health Care & Social Assistance; Transportation & Warehousing; Wholesale Trade; Educational Services; Construction; Finance & Insurance; Other Services; Retail Trade; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; and Utilities. The five industries reporting contraction in February are: Mining; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Information; Accommodation & Food Services; and Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING

ISM NON-MANUFACTURING SURVEY RESULTS AT A GLANCE

COMPARISON OF ISM NON-MANUFACTURING AND ISM MANUFACTURING SURVEYS*

FEBRUARY 2013

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NMI™ at 56%; February Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®; Business Activity Index at 56.9%; New Orders Index at ...