NMI™ at 56.1%; December Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®; Business Activity Index at 60.3%; New Orders Index …

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 December 2012.

TEMPE, Ariz., Jan. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in December for the 36th 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 56.1 percent in December, 1.4 percentage points higher than the 54.7 percent registered in November. This indicates continued growth at a slightly faster rate in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index registered 60.3 percent, which is 0.9 percentage point lower than the 61.2 percent reported in November, reflecting growth for the 41st consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased by 1.2 percentage points to 59.3 percent. The Employment Index increased by 6 percentage points to 56.3 percent, indicating growth in employment for the fifth consecutive month at a significantly faster rate. The Prices Index decreased 0.4 percentage point to 56.6 percent, indicating prices increased at a slightly slower rate in December when compared to November. According to the NMI, 13 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in December. Respondents' comments remain mixed and are mostly positive about business conditions and the economy."

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

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

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING

ISM NON-MANUFACTURING SURVEY RESULTS AT A GLANCE

COMPARISON OF ISM NON-MANUFACTURING AND ISM MANUFACTURING SURVEYS*

DECEMBER 2012

Non-Manufacturing

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NMI™ at 56.1%; December Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®; Business Activity Index at 60.3%; New Orders Index ...