|

US: ISM Services PMI declines to 52.7 in July vs. 53 expected

  • US ISM Services PMI declined modestly in July.
  • US Dollar Index stays in positive territory above 102.50.

The economic activity in the US service sector continued to expand in July, albeit at a softer pace than in June, with the ISM Services PMI declining to 52.7 from 53.9. This reading came in below the market expectation of 53.

Further details of the publication revealed that the Employment Index edged lower to 50.7 from 53.1, while the Prices Paid Index climbed to 56.8 from 54.1, pointing into increasing input price pressures.

Commenting on the data, “there has been a slight pullback in the rate of growth for the services sector," said Anthony Nieves, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Business Survey Committee.

"This is due mostly to the decrease in the rate of growth for business activity, new orders and employment, as well as ongoing faster delivery times," Nieves further explained. "The majority of respondents are cautiously optimistic about business conditions and the overall economy.”

Market reaction

The US Dollar Index clings to modest daily gains above 102.50 after this report.

Author

Eren Sengezer

As an economist at heart, Eren Sengezer specializes in the assessment of the short-term and long-term impacts of macroeconomic data, central bank policies and political developments on financial assets.

More from Eren Sengezer
Share:

Editor's Picks

AUD/USD bulls seem hesitant below 0.7050 ahead of RBA on Tuesday

AUD/USD reverses an Asian session dip on Monday as renewed optimism over Iran diplomacy boosts investor confidence, keeping a lid on the safe-haven US Dollar and supporting the risk-sensitive Aussie. Spot prices, however, remain below the one-month high, touched last Thursday, as bulls wait for the crucial RBA decision before taking fresh positions.



USD/JPY climbs to 158.00 neighborhood as BoJ uncertainty weighs on the JPY

The USD/JPY pair gains some positive traction at the start of a new week, recovering further from Friday's post-Bank of Japan (BoJ) swing low to sub-157.00 levels. The momentum lifts spot prices to the 158.00 neighborhood during the Asian session and seems unaffected by fresh intervention warning from Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama.

Gold finds relief from Oil’s decline as traders await key US economic data

Gold retains a positive bias during American trading hours on Monday after sliding to a fresh yearly low of $3,870 on Friday and ending October down 6.87%. A pullback in Oil prices amid diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran supports the precious metal. However, the rebound lacks conviction as the fundamental backdrop continues to raise doubts over a sustained recovery.

Dogecoin risks deeper slide as whales diverge

Dogecoin hovers around $0.075 on Monday after falling for the fifth consecutive week since the end of September. Santiment data shows diverging whale activity, as large holders reduce their positions while smaller whale wallets accumulate tokens. Meanwhile, weakening on-chain metrics and a deteriorating technical outlook suggest that DOGE could remain vulnerable to further losses.

Why strong US growth could not stop the bond rally and AI selloff

The US economy grew at a 3.4% annual rate, yet Treasury yields fell and the Nasdaq ended October with its worst monthly performance since March 2025. The market is no longer rewarding capital expenditure simply because it supports growth. Investors are testing whether that expenditure can produce cash flow and returns above the cost of capital.



The 2% inflation target came from a throwaway remark. It now moves trillions
The Federal Reserve's 2% inflation goal grew out of an off-the-cuff remark by a New Zealand politician in 1988. Bond investors still price long-term US debt as if 2% holds, so a change in how the Fed measures inflation would move markets.