US Services Strengthen in August as New Orders Rebound

Dual surveys show steady demand and busier activity, although softer hiring data keep a Fed rate cut in play this month.
US Services Strengthen in August as New Orders Rebound
An auto mechanic stands at a workbench at an automotive service in Louisville, Ky., on Jan. 13, 2022. Jon Cherry/Getty Images
Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
|Updated:

The U.S. services sector picked up in August, with firms reporting stronger demand and busier activity even as hiring cooled and tariff worries lingered, according to two business activity surveys released on Sept. 4.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its services gauge rose to 52 in August from 50.1 in July, marking a third straight month of growth. A separate S&P Global survey painted a similar picture, with its services index coming in at 54.5, still solid expansion, though a touch softer than July.
Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
Tom Ozimek is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times. He has a broad background in journalism, deposit insurance, marketing and communications, and adult education.
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