New orders in the U.S. non-manufacturing (services) sector cooled slightly in September 2026 but remained robust, suggesting continued underlying strength in the broader economy. According to the latest data released on 05 October 2026, the ISM Non-Manufacturing New Orders index slipped to 59.8 in September, down from 60.9 in August 2026.
Despite the decline, the indicator remains well above the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction, indicating that demand in the services sector continues to grow at a solid pace. The moderation from August’s level may point to a gradual normalisation in order flows rather than a sharp slowdown, as businesses continue to report healthy pipelines heading into the final quarter of the year.
