While respondents' comments were mixed, the results of the Institute for Supply Management's survey of activity in the service sector in the month of July showed continued growth at a slighter faster rate.
The ISM said its non-manufacturing index crept up to 52.6 in July from 52.1 in June, with a reading above 50 indicating growth in the service sector. The increase surprised economists, who had expected the index to edge down to a reading of 52.0.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com