New orders in the US services sector slowed markedly in April, according to the latest ISM Non-Manufacturing data released on 5 May 2026. The new orders index fell to 53.5 in April 2026 from 60.6 in March 2026, pointing to a clear loss of momentum in demand across the services economy.
While the April reading of 53.5 still indicates expansion in new business activity—remaining above the 50-point threshold that typically separates growth from contraction—the decline of 7.1 points over a single month suggests that the robust pace seen in March has eased significantly. The data for the previous period, recorded in March 2026, had shown new orders at a much stronger 60.6, highlighting how quickly conditions have moderated.
Market participants and analysts will likely interpret the April slowdown as a sign that demand in the service sector is normalizing after a period of stronger growth. The updated figures, current as of 5 May 2026, will feed into broader assessments of the US economic outlook and could influence expectations around corporate earnings and the trajectory of domestic demand in the coming quarters.
