ISM non-manufacturing report
- Prior was 59.7
- Lowest since August 2017
- Prices paid 58.7 vs 54.4
- New orders 59.0 vs 65.2 prior
- Employment 55.9 vs 55.2 prior
- Business activity 57.4 vs 64.7
- New export orders 52.5 vs 55.0 prior
- IMports 51.5 vs 48.5 prior
- Full report
That new orders drop is concerning. The index is still at a very healthy level but the drop is a concern.
Comments in the report:
- "Labor is tight and in short supply." (Accommodation & Food Services)
- "While we have a slowed down in residential service and install [area], we are still experiencing strength in the new commercial construction area." (Construction)
- "Q1 revenue in total on plan or slightly above. Some products slightly below plan. Overall, good start to 2019." (Finance & Insurance)
- "Supply expenses are up commensurately with business conditions as business activity has outpaced the budget on average four to six percent for our fiscal cycle that [began] 7/1/18." (Health Care & Social Assistance)
- "There is a sense of relief in our industry with the temporary reprieve of the additional tariffs. As of now, we feel this will help us maintain competitive prices and steady margins over the next quarter." (Management of Companies & Support Services)
- "Activity level held flat." (Mining)
- "Initial surge in business at the beginning of the year has peaked and settled to a more stable level." (Professional, Scientific & Technical Services)
- "Locally as construction grows, a shortage of available workers for the industry is occurring for future projects." (Public Administration)
- "April is when our real busy season begins and it has arrived early this year, demand is quite strong." (Real Estate, Rental & Leasing)
- "Labor, weather and regulatory issues have impacted operations." (Transportation & Warehousing)
