MW: U.S. services activity expands in Feb., ISM says
By Greg Robb
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Activity in the service sectors of the U.S. economy expanded at the faster pace in February, the Institute for Supply Management reported Thursday. The ISM non-manufacturing index rose to 59.7% in February from 54.9% in January. The increase was unexpected. Economists were looking the index to increase to hold steady at 54.9%. The employment index rose to 55.6% in February from 54.5% in January. The employment index is closely watched for hints about to the likely strength of the key February nonfarm payroll report to be released on Friday.
