Published today, August 8, 2026, this chart offers a timely look at the US services sector and employment figures for July 2026. These indicators are critical for understanding the current health of the US economy, particularly as policymakers and investors assess inflationary pressures and the Federal Reserve's potential next steps on interest rates. Business leaders and economists will find this data essential for their forward planning and market analysis.
The data reveals a mixed picture for July. The ADP Private Payrolls report indicated a gain of 44,000 jobs, falling significantly short of the expected 70,000, suggesting a notable slowdown in private sector job creation. Meanwhile, inflationary concerns persist within services, with the ISM Services Prices Paid Index rising to 70.3% in July from 67.7% in June. Concurrently, the ISM Services Employment Index dropped to 47.4% from 51.2%, signaling a contraction in service sector employment after a period of expansion.
These figures represent key economic activity for July 2026, with some metrics providing a month-over-month comparison to June 2026. The ADP data tracks private sector job changes, while the ISM Services indexes reflect survey-based sentiment among purchasing and supply executives regarding prices paid and employment levels. It's important to note that an ISM Employment Index below 50% indicates contraction, while the Prices Paid Index above 50% suggests increasing costs. These are leading indicators and should be considered alongside broader economic trends.
This chart provides a concise snapshot of these vital economic components, allowing users to quickly grasp recent trends and compare actual performance against market expectations.