Economics

U.S. Service Industry Expansion Cools From Month-Earlier Record

  • ISM gauge declined to 61.7 in August from July reading of 64.1
  • Measures of business activity, orders and prices all ease

People dine in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg
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U.S. service providers expanded at a robust pace in August, though a step slower than the record rate seen a month earlier as a gauge of business activity moderated.

The Institute for Supply Management’s services index fell to 61.7 last month from 64.1 in July. Readings above 50 indicate expansion.