The numbers: A survey of service-oriented companies in the U.S. such as hospitals, retailers and restaurants show rapid growth in August, underscoring the broad strength in the economy.
The Institute for Supply Management said its non-manufacturing index climbed to 58.5% in August from 55.7% in the prior month, bringing it back again near a postrecession high.
Numbers over 50% are viewed as positive for the economy, and anything over 55% is considered exceptional.
