The United States service sector showed a robust expansion in employment in December, as reported by the latest data from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The ISM Non-Manufacturing Employment Index, an important measure of job growth in the service sector, jumped to 52.0, marking a significant improvement from the previous month's figure of 48.9.
This uptick represents a return to job growth, moving the indicator above the 50-mark, which signifies expansion. The enhancement in employment levels is perceived as a positive signal for the U.S. economy, reflecting resilience amid broader economic challenges heading into 2026.
This positive shift arrives as a relief for market observers and policymakers, as the service sector constitutes a major component of the U.S. economy. The data, updated on 07 January 2026, suggests that the sector is poised for further growth, potentially fostering wider economic stability in the new year. Investors and economists will be closely watching upcoming data releases to evaluate if this trend continues.
