Services Sector Expanded in September 2026
The ISM Services Index reached 54.9 in September, signaling ongoing growth across the national services industry.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Index was recorded at 54.9 in September 2026. This figure confirms that the sector remained in expansion territory, as any reading above 50 indicates growth.
Why it matters
The sustained expansion in the services sector, coupled with a stable labor market, is expected to support ongoing consumer spending and credit performance across the country.
The September ISM Services Index measured 54.9, a slight decline from the 55.4 recorded in August. While the sector maintained expansion, the New Orders Index dipped to 59.8 from 60.9 in the prior month.
The players
Institute for Supply Management
This organization produces the monthly indices that track economic activity in the manufacturing and services sectors of the United States.
The details
Employment metrics showed improvement, with the Employment Index rising to 50.1 in September compared to 47.8 in August. Meanwhile, the Prices Paid index increased to 74, up from the 72.6 observed during the previous month.
Timeline
August 2026: Previous readings for the services sector were recorded.
September 2026: The services sector index reached 54.9.
Macro View
The current economic environment mirrors historical cycles where service sector growth remains anchored by the ISM benchmark. This September performance continues the trend of expansion observed in recent periods, signaling consistency against past economic fluctuations.
The continued expansion of the services sector generally points toward a stable labor market and consistent employment opportunities for American workers. This trend provides a positive signal for household budgets and ongoing access to credit for consumers across the country.
The takeaway
The services sector continues to serve as a reliable engine for national economic growth despite slight variations in monthly orders. Consumers should monitor ongoing price indices for potential long-term impacts on the cost of services.
Further reading
For more information on national economic performance, visit the Economic Indicators section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABA Banking Journal.
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