ISM US September Services Index Posts Larger-Than-Expected Decline

10:10 AM EDT, 10/03/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The Institute for Supply Management's US services index fell to a reading of 50.0 in September from 52.0 in August, compared with expectations for a smaller decrease to a reading of 51.7 in a survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:45 am ET, indicating neither expansion nor contraction.

Most of the other services data already released suggested contraction, except for reports from the Richmond Federal Reserve and S&P Global that both suggested expansion in the sector.

There were declines in the readings for production and new orders, but gains in the readings for employment, prices and order backlogs.

The monthly national services reading from the Institute for Supply Management is reported as a headline index, with readings above 50 indicating expansion and those below 50 indicating contraction. Component indexes measure new orders, production, employment, and prices.

An increase in the index further above 50 is considered a sign of a strong US services sector and would be a positive for service-sector stocks. Rising prices would normally be a negative for both stocks and bonds.

MT Newswires does not provide investment advice. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.