U.S. factory activity contracted for a sixth-straight month in April, the longest such stretch since 2009 and a sign of lingering malaise in manufacturing.

U.S. manufacturers expect to reduce capital spending in 2020, a trend that could limit a rebound in the sector even as companies see profits improving.

WASHINGTON — U.S. services firms expanded at a slightly slower rate in October, after achieving a record pace in September in a sign of the economy’s strength and endurance.

A faster-than-forecast June pace of expansion at America’s service industries, which make up the bulk of the economy, signals solid second-quarter growth, a survey from the Institute for Supply Management showed July 6.