The U.S. services sector showed a stronger pace of expansion in February, with the ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI climbing to 56.1, up from 53.8 in January 2026. The latest reading, released on 4 March 2026, signals a solid improvement in activity across the country’s service industries, which include sectors such as finance, retail, healthcare and professional services.
The increase from January’s level suggests that demand in the broader economy is firming, as readings above 50 indicate expansion. The February figure points to faster growth momentum compared to the previous month, underscoring resilience in the non-manufacturing side of the economy at a time when investors and policymakers closely monitor the balance between growth and inflation.
Market participants are likely to interpret the stronger services data as a sign that domestic demand remains robust, which could influence expectations around future monetary policy decisions. With services representing the largest share of U.S. economic output, the February PMI rise to 56.1 will be an important data point for assessing the trajectory of U.S. growth in early 2026.
