ISM Services Index

Definition:

Also know as the Non-Manufacturing ISM. This index is based on a survey of roughly 370 purchasing executives in industries including finance, insurance, real-estate, communications and utilities. It reports on business activity in the service sector.

Importance:

Readings above 50% indicate expansion for the non-manufacturing components of the economy. While readings below 50% indicate contraction. The index is seasonally adjusted for the effects of variations within the year, differences due to holidays and institutional changes. This is a new index, created in 1997, so it's not followed as closely by investors as the ISM Manufacturing Index, which dates to the 1940's.

Source:

Institute for Supply Management, formerly NAPM: National Association of Purchasing Managers.

Availability:

On the third business day of the month at 10:00am ET. Data for month prior.

Frequency:

Monthly.

Revisions:

The data are not revised.

Raw Data:

http://www.ism.ws

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