AI Data Insight
The newly released US ISM Services Backlog of Orders Index for Q3 2026 came in at 50.9, dropping significantly from the previous Q2 2026 reading of 54.9, but still remaining in expansionary territory. Although the overall services sector continued to grow on the back of strong new orders, employment data contracted and price pressures resurged, indicating increased noise in the fundamentals. Looking ahead, it is necessary to closely monitor the real demand momentum after the boom of major sporting events fades.