Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Survey: US service firms expand at slower pace in April, held back by new orders, hiring

WASHINGTON – U.S. service firms expanded at a slower pace in April than March, restrained by weaker growth in hiring and new orders.

The Institute for Supply Management says its index of non-manufacturing activity fell to 53.1 in April from 54.4 in March. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The report measures growth in industries that cover 90 per cent of the work force, including retail, construction, health care and financial services.

Fourteen of the 18 industries reported expansion in April. But a measure of hiring fell from 53.3 in March to 52 last month, indicating fewer jobs added.

The survey conflicted with a government report that said service-sector hiring improved in April. The Labor Department said that those firms added 185,000 jobs last month, up from 139,000 in March.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles