The PMI data is an indicator that gives us signals about the state of the economic health of the United States, based on the stability of the manufacturing and services sectors. A reading below 50 means that the sector is not doing well and is operating below its full capacity, limiting its contribution to the real economy; a reading of 50 indicates that the sector is in equilibrium and things are running normally; a reading above 50 indicates that the sector is expanding, a figure that translates into the strengthening of the real economy.