MDS / PMI
PMI / ISM - business activity
What it measures
Business survey indices covering manufacturing and services separately. In headline PMIs, readings above 50 generally indicate expansion versus the previous month and below 50 contraction. ISM and S&P Global are different surveys.
Why traders follow it
Compare the actual with the forecast and inspect new orders, employment and prices. Thresholds can have different meanings for individual components. A reading of 52 does not mean 2% economic growth.
Check the country, period and source. A single value or regime label does not determine a trade's direction.
Official methodology