Economic activity in the United States in July expanded, according to the Institute for Supply Management's business report published on Thursday, marking the 91st consecutive month of growth. The ISM non-manufacturing index came in at 53.9%, 3.5 percentage points lower than the June reading of 57.4%, representing continued growth in the sector, but at a slower rate.
Compared to the previous month, non-manufacturing business activity index decreased 4.9 percentage points to 55.9%, the new orders index recorded 55.1%, down 5.4% and the employment index declined 2.2% to 53.6%.
Accommodation & food services, information and educational services led the growth out of the 15 non-manufacturing industries that expanded in July.