The services sector in the United States showed more evidence Monday morning that it's in fairly sound shape going forward.
The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) non-manufacturing index for September came in at 56.9; economists had estimated it at 57.5, down from 59.0.
There was growth among most industries, as the sector rose for a 68th straight month, according to ISM. Employment grew at a faster rate.
Markit Economics' services purchasing managers' index (PMI) report showed that the sector is still robust.
The index for September was 55.1. Economists had estimated a reading of 55.6, unchanged from August.
The report showed that hiring remained strong, although it is lower year-on-year. Business activity and incoming new work also rose at slower rates.
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