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U.S. Services Sector Stalls While Inflation Quickens
The large U.S. services sector stalled in September, while price pressures intensified likely due to tariffs. The ISM Services Index slid two full points to 50.0, suggesting the sector came to a standstill last month. Business activity contracted slightly and for the first time since the 2020 shutdowns. New orders came to a virtual halt. With less business, staffing levels shrank for a fourth straight month, now joining the steady downward slide in the manufacturing sector, according to purchasing managers. Supplier deliver times slowed further. The prices paid index edged higher and remains close to the highest ... (full story)