" With the exception of March 2003 , growth in business activity has been reported by ISM members every month beginning with February 2002 , " the Arizona-based group said .
The ISM noted that " with the exception of March 2003 , growth in business activity has been reported by ISM members every month beginning with February 2002 . "
According to Tuesday 's report , consumers ' assessment of current conditions was less favourable than a month earlier .