Service sector growth in April at 8-month high

[WASHINGTON] Service industries expanded in April at the fastest pace in eight months, a sign the biggest part of the US economy will bolster growth this quarter.

The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) non-manufacturing index rose to 55.2, higher than projected, from the prior month's 53.1, the Tempe, Arizona-based group's report showed yesterday. Readings above 50 indicate expansion.

Services account for almost 90 per cent of the economy.