Service sector grows for 4th straight month

nesses and put millions of Americans out gains in new orders and the employment of work. index, which rose above 50 for the first

But starting in June, the index began to time since February.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. services rise again and now stands above its Anthony Nieves, head of the ISM sector, where most Americans work, grew February level of 57.3. services survey committee, said that while for a fourth consecutive month in SeptemHowever, if U.S. infections continue to the rise in the employment index was ber as the country attempts to reopen from spread as they are now in the upper encouraging, it remains far from the job earlier COVID-19 shutdowns. Midwest, economists fear a retreat in the levels last recorded in January and Febru

Theary.InstituteforSupplyManagementservicesector,andallthejobsitbrings. reported Monday that its index of services “Recovery in the service sector is activity rose to a reading of 57.8 last month, ongoing as activity continues to come back 0.9 percentage point higher than the online more completely,” said Rubeela August reading of 56.9. Any reading above Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High 50 signifies expansion in services indusFrequency Economics. “However, risks tries such as restaurants, department remain to the downside from virus outstores and delivery companies. breaks and restrictions as well as subdued

The index fell sharply for three months demand that could weigh on activity going starting in March as shutdowns aimed at forward.” containing the virus closed many busi- The strength in September reflected big

key factor going forward will be whether Congress is able to end months of stalemate and approve another round of support for individuals and small businesses, Nieves said.

“A stimulus package is really necessary for many of these small businesses to avoid becoming a business fatality,” Nieves said.

He said one problem will be the loss of outside dining as the weather gets colder.