The Houston Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), a short-term leading indicator for regional production, registered 51.8 in July, signaling economic expansion in metro Houston for the 10th consecutive month, according to the latest report from the Institute for Supply Management-Houston (ISM-Houston). The July reading is unchanged from the June PMI.

The industries that are expanding based on the July reading are manufacturing,
transportation, wholesale trade, professional services, and health care. Engineering and
construction contracted for the fifth straight month. All other sectors reported minimal
monthly changes.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research Department