ISM Employment Gauges Both Above 50: Manufacturing at 52.8%, Services at 51.2%

ISM's Manufacturing Employment Index hit 52.8 percent in July 2026 — up 3.1 points from June's 49.7 and its highest since August. Services Employment sat at 51.2 percent in June. Readings above 50 signal expansion. Manufacturing typically leads cyclical turns, so its jump raises the odds services hiring follows suit next report.