US January ISM non-manufacturing 59.9 vs 59.5 expected

• Lowest since Feb 2021
• Prior was 62.0

• New orders 61.7 vs 61.5 prior
• Prices paid 82.3 vs 82.5 prior
• Employment 52.3 vs 54.9 prior
• Business activity 59.9 vs 67.6 prior
• Full report

This is a slightly better reading on the headline and prices paid. It’s a good thing because the market can’t handle too much more negative news today.

Comments in the report:

• “Supply constraints and outages persist. With mechanical component
  parts, the problems are severe. We are finding widespread depletion of
  field service part inventories to sustain factory production of new
  product orders. The inability to satisfy replacement part demand creates
  tremendous operational risk.” [Accommodation & Food Services]
• “Challenging operating conditions remain the same to start the new
  year. Our biggest service providers seem to be rebounding from labor
  shortages or are managing their way through them. We will be forced to
  upgrade some equipment that is less reliant on labor.” [Agriculture,
  Forestry, Fishing & Hunting]
• “Costs have escalated to what we believe are unsustainable levels.
  Available labor is nonexistent, so we have cut staffing and are taking
  on fewer projects temporarily in an attempt to reduce cost. Outsourcing
  where possible. We are not optimistic at this time.” [Construction]
• “Business activity is increasing, but professional labor continues
  to be in short supply. Virtual work is preferred by clients.” [Finance
  & Insurance]
• “COVID-19 inpatient stays have surged in the past 30 days; however,
  this past week, the numbers have trended slightly down. Supply chain
  disruptions continue. Hiring of clinical and nonclinical staff continues
  to be very difficult due to high demand. Some staff are still working
  remotely.” [Health Care & Social Assistance]
• “January has been tough, as product quantities intended for holiday
  sales are just now coming in, inventories of seasonal products are
  (very) high and now dormant for nine months, cash flow is down, and new
  orders are delayed. Omicron is keeping between 20 and 25 percent of our
  workforce out daily. Inflation is a concern.” [Information]
• “Downturn in business in the last month due to outbreak in COVID-19 cases.” [Other Services]
• “Blood shortages are causing issues in the emergency rooms.” [Professional, Scientific & Technical Services]
• “Business outlook remains cautiously optimistic, although
  uncertainty remains concerning the impact of omicron, inflation and the
  lack of major improvements to supply chain issues.” [Retail Trade]
• “Business activity is very high, and we have maintained a consistent
  amount of back orders. Labor constraints are presenting problems
  throughout all areas of the business.” [Utilities]
• “Constrained supplies of many key product groups continue. Inflation
  worsening; however, sales and profitability continue to be strong.”
  [Wholesale Trade]