Orders Propel U.S. Service Industries as Sales Improve

Services, the biggest chunk of the U.S. economy, picked up in April as gains in orders and sales signaled even faster growth ahead.

The Institute for Supply Management’s non-manufacturing index rose to 55.2, the highest level since August, from 53.1 in March, the Tempe, Arizona-based group’s report showed today. Readings above 50 indicate expansion. Bookings jumped by the most in four years.