Economy Is Expanding, but at Slower Pace
Wednesday May 4, 10:43 am ET
Service Portion of Economy Is Expanding, Although at a Slower Pace Than in March, Survey Says
NEW YORK (AP) -- The service portion of the U.S. economy expanded for the 25th straight month in April, but at a slower pace than in March, a private research organization said Wednesday.
The Institute for Supply Management said its index of activity among service companies for April fell to 61.7 from 63.1, a month earlier. Analysts had estimated the index would ease to 61 in April.
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Although the index was down, it remained above 50, signaling the economy's crucial service sector continued to growth last month.
The institute also said that 14 of the industries it tracks -- including utilities, insurance, retail trade, and real estate -- reported growth last month while two -- transportation and legal services -- remained the same. Only entertainment reported decreased activity from March.
Employment in the non-manufacturing sector also increased at a slower rate than in March, with the index hitting 53.3 percent, down from 57.1 percent. It was the 19th consecutive month of growth.
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