The NASDAQ Composite index rose over the past month with the general rally in stocks,
The NASDAQ Composite index rose over the past month with the general rally in stocks, and is now almost 7% above the level of December 2007 on an inflation-adjusted basis. Despite setbacks over the past few days, the index is up +3.4% since about this time last month. (click to enlarge chart)
The ISM non-manufacturing index fell back from 57.3 to 56.0. The new orders index slipped from 59.4 to 58.8, but the latter is still a very strong reading, indicating continued service sector growth. The imports index for non-manufacturing rose, a good sign. The ISM manufacturing index retreated slightly since last month, but is still firmly indicating continued growth in this sector.
Proprietors income was revised upward again, but remains -5.2% below the inflation-adjusted level at the start of the recession. Small business continues to lag the overall economy. Overall, the last month was a sideways move for the recovery indicators.