Non-manufacturing shows slight growth

TEMPE, Ariz., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. business activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in September, sharply contrasting with manufacturing data, a research group said.

The Institute for Supply Management said that the leading manufacturing index in September dropped to 43.5, with numbers below 50 indicating a contraction.

On Friday, ISM said non-manufacturing fared better in the month with the leading index at 50.2, indicating slight growth for the second straight month.

Ten non-manufacturing industries reported growth in September, including mining, education, retail, utilities, agriculture, forestry, healthcare, transportation and warehousing and information, the report said.

Eight industries reported contractions, including art, entertainment and recreation; real estate, rental and leasing; accommodation and food service; public administration; finance and insurance; management; wholesale trade and technical services, the report said.