The ISM Services PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) is an economic indicator used to measure the performance of the services sector in the United States. It is published by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) on a monthly basis and is used to track changes in the services sector.
The ISM Services PMI is based on data compiled through a survey method. Each month, over 400 service sector company executives, selected by the ISM, are contacted to gather information on various economic factors. These factors include new orders, employment, supplier deliveries, customer inventories, prices, and changes in business activity.
The survey results are evaluated on a scale above or below 50. If the ISM Services PMI is above 50, it indicates overall growth in the services sector. If the index is below 50, it suggests a contraction in the services sector. Additionally, the rise or fall of the index also indicates the pace of growth. For example, as the index value above 50 increases, the growth rate accelerates.
The ISM Services PMI is an important indicator for measuring performance and identifying trends in the services sector. The services sector is a significant component of economic growth and provides substantial employment. Therefore, the ISM Services PMI is closely monitored by economists, investors, and business professionals.
In addition to the headline PMI number, the ISM Services PMI also provides sub-indices that measure specific aspects of the services sector. These sub-indices include new orders, employment, customer inventories, prices, and business activity. These sub-indices provide a more detailed picture of the sector’s performance and help identify specific areas of strength or weakness.
Overall, the ISM Services PMI is a key economic indicator used to measure the performance of the services sector in the United States. It provides insights into the overall health and trends of the sector, helping analysts and decision-makers assess economic conditions, anticipate changes, and make informed business and investment decisions.