According to the latest report from the Institute for Supply Management, economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in September for the 80th consecutive month.

The NMI showed continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector and at a faster rate, registering at 57.1% in September compared to the 51.4% reading in August.

The report was issued by Anthony Nieves, CPSM, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the ISM Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

There also was a considerable jump in the non-manufacturing business activity index, which came in at 60.3% following August’s reading of 51.8%. The new orders kept pace, recording a 60% reading in September compared to a 51.4% reading in August.

Although they did not increase as substantially, the employment index and the prices index both rose as well, increasing by 6.5% and 2.2%, respectively. Prices have now increased for the sixth consecutive month.

The NMI also reported that 14 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in September.

Despite the positive growth shown, Nieves said, “A degree of uncertainty does exist due to geopolitical conditions coupled with the upcoming U.S. presidential election.”