U.S. Service Sector Seen Expanding More Quickly

The U.S. service sector expanded at a faster pace in October, a sign of strength for the domestic economy. The Institute for Supply Management's nonmanufacturing purchasing-managers index rose to 59.1 in October from 56.9 in September. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected the index to fall to 56.8. The report said survey respondents "remain mostly positive about business conditions and the overall economy." The data provides a barometer for the nation's restaurants, builders, bankers and other service providers. Consumer spending is the primary driver of the economic expansion in the U.S., and two-thirds of those outlays are on services. Write to Harriet Torry at harriet.torry@wsj.com