ISM Services Index Grows

The U.S. economy’s service sector grew in April for the fourth consecutive month, the Institute for Supply Management said Wednesday.

ISM’s monthly services index rose held at a 55.4 reading, the same as March, ISM said in its monthly report.

Figures of more than 50 indicate expansion, while below that shows contraction. Economists had forecast an increase to a 54 reading, Bloomberg reported.

ISM’s services index measures non-manufacturing components of the economy, and the services sector, which includes transportation, retail sales and financial services, accounts for nearly two-thirds of the U.S. gross domestic product.