Growth in the vast US services sector slowed in September, with a significant decrease in prices paid, according to an industry survey published today.
The Institute for Supply Management's non-manufacturing index fell to 56.7 in September from 58.2 in August, below Wall Street predictions for an increase to 59.0.
A number above 50 indicates growth, while a figure below that threshold denotes contraction in the sector, which accounts for about 80 per cent of the US economy.
The ISM survey's employment index rose to 54.6 in September from 52.5, while demand for new orders eased slightly to 58.5 from 58.6. The prices paid index fell to 67.1 from 70.0.
