by Calculated Risk on 1/06/2014 10:00:00 AM

The December ISM Non-manufacturing index was at 53.0%, down from 53.9% in November. The employment index increased in December to 55.8%, up from 52.5% in November. Note: Above 50 indicates expansion, below 50 contraction.

From the Institute for Supply Management: December 2013 Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®

Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in December for the 48th consecutive month, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The report was issued today by Anthony Nieves, CPSM, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "The NMI® registered 53 percent in December, 0.9 percentage point lower than November's reading of 53.9 percent. This indicates continued growth at a slightly slower rate in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased to 55.2 percent, which is 0.3 percentage point lower than the 55.5 percent reported in November, reflecting growth for the 53rd consecutive month, but at a slightly slower rate. The New Orders Index contracted after 52 consecutive months of growth for the first time since July 2009, when it registered 48 percent. The index decreased significantly by 7 percentage points to 49.4 percent, and the Employment Index increased 3.3 percentage points to 55.8 percent, indicating growth in employment for the 17th consecutive month and at a faster rate. The Prices Index increased 2.9 percentage points to 55.1 percent, indicating prices increased at a faster rate in December when compared to November. According to the NMI®, eight non-manufacturing industries reported growth in December. Despite the substantial decrease in the New Orders Index, respondents' comments predominately reflect that business conditions are stable."
emphasis added

Click on graph for larger image.

This graph shows the ISM non-manufacturing index (started in January 2008) and the ISM non-manufacturing employment diffusion index.

This was below the consensus forecast of 54.8% and indicates slower expansion in December than in November. 

The stronger employment index is a positive, but new orders contracted for the first time in over four years.