PMI^® at 55.1%

In February, the Services PMI^® registered 55.1 percent, a 0.1-percentage point decrease compared to the January reading of 55.2 percent. A reading above 50 percent indicates the services sector economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates it is generally contracting. A Services PMI^® above 49.9 percent, over time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the February Services PMI^® indicates the overall economy is growing for the second consecutive month after one month of contraction in December. 

Economic activity in the services sector expanded in February for the second consecutive month as the Services PMI^® registered 55.1 percent, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest Services ISM^® Report On Business^®. 

The sector has grown in 32 of the last 33 months, with the lone contraction in December. The Business Activity Index registered 56.3 percent, a 4.1-percentage point decrease compared to the reading of 60.4 percent in January. The New Orders Index expanded in February for the second consecutive month after contracting in December for the first time since May 2020; the figure of 62.6 percent is 2.2 percentage points higher than the January reading of 60.4 percent. Business Survey Committee respondents indicated that they are mostly positive about business conditions. Suppliers continue to improve their capacity and logistics, as evidenced by faster deliveries. 

The 13 services industries reporting growth in February — listed in order — are: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Public Administration; Construction; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Retail Trade; Utilities; Other Services; Educational Services; Finance & Insurance;  Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Health Care & Social Assistance; and Accommodation & Food Services.