Nation’s service sector beats forecast; new orders hit highest since late 2021
The U.S. service sector expanded in February by more than forecast as a measure of orders climbed to a high not seen in more than a year and hiring increased.
The Institute for Supply Management’s gauge of services was little changed at 55.1, according to data out Friday. Readings above 50 signal growth, and the February index exceeded the median forecast of 54.5 in a Bloomberg survey of economists.
The purchasing managers group’s measure of new orders rose more than 2 points to 62.6, the highest since November 2021 and a signal of healthy demand. The index of services employment increased 4 points to 54, a high not seen in more than a year.
The advance suggests service providers are having more success hiring after experiencing difficulty attracting workers throughout the pandemic. Government data next Friday will provide further clues into the state of hiring across the entire economy.
The ISM report is the latest indication of stillhealthy demand for services against a backdrop of a resilient labor market and a steady rotation away from spending on goods.
At the same time, rising credit card debt, persistent inflation and higher interest rates are potential hurdles for households.
“Respondents indicated that they are mostly positive about business conditions,” Anthony Nieves, chair of the ISM Services Business Survey Committee, said in a statement.
“Suppliers continue to improve their capacity and logistics, as evidenced by faster deliveries. The employment picture has improved for some industries, despite the tight labor market. Several industries reported continued downsizing,” he said.
Thirteen service industries
reported growth last month, including agriculture, construction and retail trade.
Four reported a decline in activity, led by wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, and information.
The gauge of prices paid by service providers for inputs continued to show costs rising, albeit at a slower pace. While falling to the lowest level in more than two years, at 65.6, the index is well higher than the gauge of prices paid by manufacturers and indicates persistent inflation.
The group’s business activity index, which parallels the ISM’S factory
output gauge, retreated last month but continued to show a solid pace of expansion.
The overall services purchasing managers index was also restrained by a decline in the supplier deliveries gauge, which fell to the lowest level since mid-2009, during the Great Recession. The measure dropped back below 50, indicating quicker delivery times and a further easing in supply chain problems.
The service sector also enjoyed firmer demand from abroad in February as the exports index advanced to a five-month high.