Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in October for the 81st consecutive month, according to the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report on Business.

The report was issued by Anthony Nieves, chair of the Institute for Supply Management Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

According to Nieves, the NMI came in at 54.8% in October, which was a drop of 2.3% from the reading of 57.1% in September, but still represents growth in the sector, just at a slower rate.

Along with the NMI, the Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased to 57.7%, a 2.6% drop from September when the reading was 60.3%. Despite the decline, the reading still reflects growth for the 87th consecutive month.

The New Orders Index also declined, falling 2.3% to 57.7% in October. The Employment Index decreased 4.1% in October to 53.1% from the September reading of 57.2%.

The only index to increase was the Prices Index, which lifted 2.6% to 56.6% in October. Prices have been on the rise for the last seven months.

According to the NMI, 13 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in October.

“There has been a slight cooling off in the non-manufacturing sector month-over-month, indicating that last month’s increases weren’t sustainable,” Nieves said. “Respondent’s comments remain mostly positive about business conditions and the overall economy. Several comments were made about the uncertainty on the impact of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.”

The report from the ISM also asked respondents about the impact of the Hanjin Shipping bankruptcy on businesses. A large majority (68.5%) indicated that they have not been impacted by the event.