FX.co ★ US Services Employment Gauge Climbs in February, Signaling Stronger Labor Demand

The US ISM Non-Manufacturing Employment Index strengthened in February 2026, suggesting a pickup in hiring momentum across the services sector. The indicator rose to 51.8 in February from 50.3 in January 2026, remaining above the 50.0 threshold that separates expansion from contraction.

The February reading indicates that employment conditions in the vast US services economy—covering industries such as finance, healthcare, retail, and professional services—improved modestly but steadily. The increase from January’s level points to growing labor demand after a relatively subdued start to the year.

The updated data, released on 4 March 2026, will be closely watched by investors and policymakers assessing the resilience of the US labor market, as services continue to drive the bulk of overall economic activity.