US activity strengthened in September with the ISM non-manufacturing index hitting a 21-year high, noted analysts at Wells Fargo. They raised payrolls estimates for Friday to 210K after today’s reading of the employment index.
Key Quotes:
“The ISM non-manufacturing index hit a 21-year high in September, leaping 3.1 points to 61.6. Current activity, new orders and supplier deliveries all increased. Backlogs continue to rise, helped in part by elevated levels of export orders.”
“The employment index jumped to an all-time high of 62.4. We have subsequently raised our September nonfarm payroll forecast to 210,000 from 185,000. Respondents noted, however, that labor shortages are beginning to weigh on growth and earnings.”
“On an economy-weighted basis, the ISM indices rose to 61.4. The fresh cycle-high supports our call for GDP growth to remain solid as we head into the fourth quarter.”
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